Port of Los Angeles sets record amid tariff hike surge

In the past seven months, cargo volumes have maintained an average of over 927,000 container units at the Port of Los Angeles.

The Port of Los Angeles, recognized as the most active trade hub in the United States, reached a significant milestone in January 2025 by handling more containers than any other January in previous years, according to TransportTopics. In response to the tariff increases announced by President Donald Trump for Canada, Mexico, and China, importers expedited their shipments, resulting in surprising figures.

The efforts of the Los Angeles port workers illustrate how expectations of tariff hikes influence commercial logistics and the strategic decisions of retailers. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, emphasized that in the past seven months, cargo volumes have maintained an average of over 927,000 container units, consolidating a positive streak in port activity.

Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach see growth in January

In January, cargo handlers at the port managed to move a total of 924,245 containers, an 8% increase compared to the same month last year. This growth was primarily driven by imports. The Port of Los Angeles received 483,831 TEUs (20-foot equivalent containers), marking a significant 9.5% increase compared to January 2024. Exports, on the other hand, saw a decrease of 10.5%, reflecting a trend opposite to that of imports.

A revealing statistic highlighted at the conference was the movement of empty containers, which reached 327,143 units in January. This figure represented a 14% increase compared to the previous year, which generally suggests that an increase in imports is expected in the coming months. Seroka explained that this pattern of empty container movements is a good sign that shipping lines are preparing space for more goods expected to arrive in the following weeks.

The Port of Long Beach also saw a significant uptick in activity. With a total of 952,733 TEUs moved in January, the port achieved its second-best month in history, only behind its annual record. Imports at Long Beach surged by 45%, reaching 471,649 TEUs, while exports also saw an increase, rising by 14% with 98,655 TEUs.

The impact of tariff increases on productivity

The reason behind this frenetic pace at both ports seems to be directly related to importers’ expectations of imminent tariff hikes. While January’s results have been impressive, Seroka cautioned that a decline in trade volumes is expected for February. However, the port director predicted that volumes would remain high in the coming months as importers continue to seek strategies to maintain the flow of products in the U.S. market.

In terms of short- and medium-term outlooks, Seroka believes trade figures may stabilize or even decline in the second half of the year, given the high volume of goods already moved. However, uncertainty surrounding the trade policies of the Trump administration and pressure on supply chains could continue to affect the commercial dynamics in the coming months, prompting observers to closely monitor movements at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.