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Port of L.A. Imports Slump as Tariffs Disrupt Trade Flows
Total Container Traffic Drops 12% in January
Total container traffic through the Port of Los Angeles dropped 12% in January as exports and imports weakened from a year earlier, when shippers rushed to move freight in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“There are several factors at play,” Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said Feb. 17. “First, we’re comparing January to 2025’s elevated numbers when importers were scrambling to get cargo in ahead of tariffs. Second, inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace.”
Seroka noted that despite the trade war uncertainty, “purchase orders that go out three months in advance to Asia look stable, a good sign.”
Dockworkers at the nation’s busiest container gateway moved some 812,000 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in January.
Holiday Lull
About 422,000 of those were loaded with imports, a nearly 13% decline from January 2025, while exports fell about 8% to 104,297 TEUs.
Happy Lunar New Year from the Port of Los Angeles! Today we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, freedom and vitality. May this year be filled with success and prosperity. https://t.co/DtEFLZN9vT pic.twitter.com/XW2vuQG39K — Port of Los Angeles (@PortofLA) February 17, 2026
A rush of imports in January is typical before factories in China close for Lunar New Year, which this year started on Feb. 17.
Dockworkers handled about 286,110 empty containers last month, 12.5% less than last year.
The National Retail Federation projects import volumes will slow over the first half of the year, according to its Global Port Tracker.
“With tariffs still a matter of debate in the courts and in Congress, their effect on imports is being clearly seen,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF’s VP for supply chain and customs policy, in a statement last week.
