Long Beach port supports 2.7 million U.S. jobs, study says

Trade facilitated by the Port of Long Beach in California is a key pillar of economic vitality in the United States, driving consumer spending, job creation and innovation, according to a new economic impact analysis released Monday.

The study started in August 2024 and examines economic activity in 2023.

"The Port of Long Beach is a top gateway for the products many Americans buy every day,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We are also a crucial link to overseas markets for the nation’s farmers and other exporters in addition to many of the materials used for manufacturing that cannot be sourced domestically. This study affirms the benefits of international trade, which should be nurtured by carefully calculated, deliberate policies that serve U.S. businesses and consumers.” 

Among other findings:

• The port supports 2,714,707 million U.S. jobs, providing $176 billion in income and more than $309 billion to gross domestic product;

• Statewide, 1,138,156 million jobs are connected to the port, generating $77.9 billion in income. Across Southern California, 691,607 jobs depend on the port, providing $46.6 billion in income.

• In the Los Angeles Metropolitan statistical area (the second-largest in the nation), the port powers 543,122 jobs providing $38.9 billion income. 

• Port activity is a major contributor to the tax base, with $84.4 billion in local, state and federal taxes collected for 2023; and

• Cargo moving to and from the port originates from or is destined for every Assembly and Senate district in California and every U.S. congressional district.

Pacific Harbor Line Inc. provides rail transportation, maintenance and dispatching services to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and connects with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.

To download the full study, click here.