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The Port of Los Angeles warns of possible 35% reduction in freight arrivals due to tariffs

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The port is expected to see a significant drop in shipments of containers next week as a result of new tariffs.

The Port of Los Angeles, North America’s busiest container port, has warned about a potential 35% recession of cargo arriving at ports from early May due to US tariffs.

“My prediction is that in two weeks, all shipments from China for major retailers and manufacturers will decline by 35%, as all shipments from China for major retailers and manufacturers will be suspended,” Jean Seloka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, told the Los Angeles Committee’s Hover Committee Meeting of Harbor Committee.
According to the port in 2024, China was the port’s top trading partner with freight value of $120 billion. The rest of the top five include Japan, Vietnam, Korea and Taiwan.

On April 11, the Port of Los Angeles reported that it saw strong growth in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. We have processed over 2.5 million container units. This is an increase of 5.2% from the previous year.

However, data for March 2025 began to show signs of slowing down. Loaded exports fell 15% compared to 2024, while loaded imports fell a modest 1.6% from last year.

“Many importers will bring their goods early and when prices start to rise, consumers will think twice about many purchases,” Seroca said in a statement on April 11th.

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At the time, Seroca said that tariff-related issues could result in a decline in total freight by at least 10% in the second half of 2025.

President Donald Trump has 145% tariffs on most goods from China, but the country has responded with 125% tariffs on the US.

The tariff situation with China was described as unsustainable in a speech by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent on April 29th.

Seroka said trade volume from China will likely remain very light while tariffs are in effect.

A report by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) on April 22 estimated that tariffs “may reduce port activities significantly and exacerbate the economic and employment impact.”

Southern California’s trade and logistics industry contributed nearly $500 billion in regional revenues, helping to support $2 million in 2022, according to the nonprofit.

The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates Global Port Tracker Report, released on April 9, predicts that US container port volumes will be down by more than 15% in 2025 due to tariffs and lower consumer demand. The report shows that retailers are currently relying on existing inventory and are waiting for changes to customs terms.

The Treasury Department and the White House did not reply to requests for comment by publication time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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