Port Volumes, Tariff Turbulence, and Tactical Moves

The Port of Los Angeles—the busiest in the U.S.—is seeing a measured response to the recent 90-day tariff pause between the U.S. and China.

Despite the temporary drop in levies (from 145% to 30%), Executive Director Gene Seroka, in a recent media call, said he doesn’t expect a COVID-style surge. Bookings are ticking up from Asia, but elevated prices are causing importers to pause and rethink.

Here are some metrics he revealed:

April saw strong numbers (+9.5% YOY), but early May imports dropped 30%.

Peak season (June–July) may reach only 70–80% of typical volume.

Year-to-date, the port has handled 3.4 million TEUs, up 6.6% over 2024.

Carriers are pre-positioning 25% more empties to Asia—planning ahead to balance demand swings.

These days, the logistics world continues to walk a tightrope—uncertain tariffs, cautious consumers, and strategic repositioning of empties define the current state.