Inbound programs in the port of Los Angeles – the most busy container center in the United States – fell by 30%in early May when President Donald Trump’s tariffs discouraged the trade.
“Fewer containers mean fewer work on the promenade, from the number of working gangs that react to the freight’s shift requirements, to the truck and warehouse workers,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of Port of Los Angeles, on Monday when calling for reporters. “The effects were felt almost immediately in this first week of May.”
The decline in port activity came, as an importer and retailer – especially those with business in China – dealt with Trump’s tariffs that were announced in early April.
Importers hurried beforehand to bring goods to the United States to achieve taxes. Last month, the port of LA traded around 843,000, twenty foot equivalent units or teus, which, according to A, marked an increase of 9.4% compared to April last yearopinionFrom the harbor.
Seroka found that exports had decreased by a fifth month in April because other countries reacted with retaliation duties, especially for agricultural and manufactured goods of the US goods.
A temporary deal that was reached between the USA and China last week to reduce tariffs for 90 days could help to reverse part of the slump. The result can be an increase in freight volumes in June and July, since the importers move the inventory that was kept in camp during the time tariff period “Sky High”, said Seroka.
Nevertheless, the tariffs remain increased and trade policy is unsure, so it will continue to be difficult to predict freight volumes, warned Seroka. So far, 17 of 80 sails have been canceled this month and another 10 cancellations were expected next month, he said.
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The port of Long Beach, who shares the San Pedro Bay with the port of La, is also preparing for less freight after recording the busiest April. There, 867,493 teus rose there by 15.6% there last month.
“After moving the most container freight of an American port in the first quarter of 2025, we are now expecting a decline in imports of more than 10% in May – and the effects will be felt beyond the docks,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach, in oneopinionLast week.
The trade uncertainty and the decline in export demand already affect the port of Oakland, which took over in April 185,499 and with a decline in the total volume of March 2025 by 14.7%, the portsaidMonday.
This story was originally on Fortune.com