Cargo volume rose slightly in June at the Port of Long Beach compared to the same month one year ago, while year-to-date figures show an increase of 14.2 percent for the first half of 2013 compared to the first half of 2012.

A total of 565,476 TEUs (or twenty-foot equivalent container units) were moved in June, up 1.8 percent from the same month last year. Imports increased 3.5 percent to 290,448 TEUs. Exports were up by 0.1 percent to 133,800 TEUs.

Empty containers were up just 44 TEUs to 141,228 TEUs. With imports exceeding exports, empties are sent overseas to be refilled with goods. At the mid-year point, the Port�s container volumes show gains ? including 16.2 percent more imports, 10.1 percent more exports and 14.8 percent more empties. Larger ships began calling more frequently at the Port starting in mid to late 2012, and June 2012 was the top month for imports that year.