A busy 2025 for Port of L.A.

The Port of Los Angeles expects it will move than 10 million container units for the second year in a row despite President Trump's tariffs — but that number is likely to drop off in 2026 as the fallout of the administration’s trade war persists.

- BY LAURENCE DARMIENTO

JULIANA YAMADA Los Angeles Times

PORT traffic is forecast to fall in 2026, after a tariff-fueled rush to import goods.

This year’s volume will reflect a decision by importers to get ahead of the tariffs before the duties took effect — with trade later slowing, according to the monthly report by the nation’s largest container port.

“In a word, 2025 was a roller coaster,” port Executive Director Gene Seroka said during the webcast.

In November, there was a 12% decrease in volume with about 782,000 TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent container units, processed by the port. The decrease was driven by an 11% fall in year-over-year import volume.

“Much of that difference is tied to last year's rush to build inventories and now with some warehouse levels still elevated, importers are pacing their orders a bit more carefully,” Seroka said.

Still, by the end of November, the port had moved almost 9.5 million container units, 1% more than last year, leading to the expectation that volume will top 10 million for the year.