The Port of Long Beach saw containerized cargo increase 8.7% in January from a year ago on increased activity at its largest terminal and extra ships calling ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Traffic totaled 582,689 TEUs in January on exports that were 10.8% higher on-year at 118,234 TEUs. Imports gained 7.4% to 298,990 TEUs, while empties sent back to the Far East increased 9.6% to 165,465 TEUs.
Growth was notable, the port said, as TEU traffic in January 2016 jumped 25% from the same month in 2015.
Gains were led by Pier T, controlled by Mediterranean Shipping Co., which purchased a majority share in the terminal following the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping in 2016.