Port of Los Angeles, the Busiest Port. Photo credit: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/terminals/container
Port of Los Angeles Sees 9% Drop in May Imports Amid Tariff Pressures
In May 2025, the Port of Los Angeles—the busiest seaport in the United States—reported a 9% decline in cargo volumes compared to the same period last year. The port handled approximately 355,950 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), its lowest monthly volume in over two years. This sharp drop was primarily attributed to the impact of steep tariffs on Chinese imports. Earlier this year, the United States imposed a 145% duty on goods from China, prompting many companies to delay or cancel shipments of toys, furniture, and auto parts.
Although the U.S. and China later agreed to a 90-day tariff pause and reduced the duty to 30%, the cost of importing remains significantly higher than before. As a result, the Port of Los Angeles and nearby West Coast ports have recorded persistent volume declines. Nationwide, ocean imports from China fell 28.5%, contributing to an overall 7.2% decrease in U.S. containerized imports.
Port Director Gene Seroka noted that May represented the lowest monthly throughput in over two years, and he anticipates only modest cargo flows for the remainder of 2025. Analysts suggest that businesses are adjusting sourcing strategies due to elevated tariff costs, even after the initial spike in vehicle container bookings before tariff hikes took effect.
This decline signals broader consequences for the U.S. economy. The Port of Los Angeles handles roughly 31% of U.S. seaborne trade, making its volume trends a crucial indicator of national economic activity. A sustained drop in imports could impact logistics firms, warehouses, retailers, and the automotive industry, raising the potential for higher consumer prices and diminished product availability.
While the tariff truce has slowed the pace of decline, the industry remains cautious. Supply chain professionals describe the post-tariff environment as one where importers reassess their strategies in light of long-term cost implications
