World economic growth forecasts don't match global shipping reality: Maritime expert

Summary

Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, discusses record container volumes and the shift of trade from China to Southeast Asia. He outlines the port's $3.2 billion infrastructure plan, including Pier B on-dock rail, and views Class I rail investments like the UP-Norfolk Southern merger as complementary. He also notes a 95% decline in US soybean exports to China, with China shifting to Brazil, and emphasizes the need for trade policy certainty.

• Port of Long Beach saw record container volumes in 2025, aided by front-loading ahead of tariffs.
• China's share of port volumes fell from 70% to 60%, shifting to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
• The port is investing $3.2 billion in infrastructure, including Pier B on-dock rail, to cut dwell time and double capacity by 2050.
• Class I rail investments, including UP's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern and BNSF's Barstow gateway, are seen as complementary.
• US soybean exports to China fell 95% year-over-year after retaliatory tariffs, with China now buying more from Brazil.
• The port launched Cargo Nav for end-to-end supply chain visibility.
• The CEO attended Davos and noted global alignment on supply chain resilience, reliability, efficiency, and emissions.
• Trade policy uncertainty remains a concern for cargo flow planning.