This is according to a new analysis released on 12 May.
The report came just hours after the US and China announced a surprise 90-day rollback of tariffs that could have raised consumer prices by up to 145 per cent in the US and 125 per cent in China.
Port CEO, Mario Cordero, said: “The timing was purely coincidental. But it was also fortuitous. At this moment, all eyes are on international trade and we have the hard data that shows the Port of Long Beach fuels the US economy.”
READ: Port of Long Beach boosts investment in zero-emission trucks
The Port of Long Beach’s 2023 economic analysis outlines its direct, indirect, and broader impacts across the region, California, and the nation, based on last year’s cargo volume.
Nationally, the port supports over 2.7 million jobs, generates $176 billion in income, and contributes more than $309 billion to the US GDP.
In California, 1.1 million jobs are linked to the port, producing $77.9 billion in income.
Across Southern California’s five-county region, nearly 692,000 jobs depend on port activity, with $46.6 billion in income generated.
READ: Port of Long Beach sets record with busiest April ever
Port operations also contributed $84.4 billion in taxes at the local, state, and federal levels in 2023.
Cargo handled by the port reaches every California legislative district and all US congressional districts, underscoring its national reach and economic importance.
Long Beach Mayor, Rex Richardson, stated: “Our community, our jobs and our collective future depend on stable, smart trade policies that grow, not shrink, business incomes at home and markets for US goods abroad.”
Recently, the Port of Long Beach promoted Suzanne Plezia, P.E., to Managing Director of Engineering Services, following the retirement of Sean Gamette, P.E.