The Iran war has added uncertainty to US supply chains but has not yet caused drastic disruption to retail shipments, according to the Port of Long Beach and the National Retail Federation.

Noel Hacegaba, chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, stated that re-routing ships around conflict zones raises costs and eventually impacts consumers. He noted that surcharges are now being passed on by carriers after previously being absorbed.

Jonathan Gold, of the National Retail Federation, welcomed the Federal Maritime Commission's pushback against certain surcharges. He emphasized that importers need clarity on the scope and purpose of new charges and urged regulators to scrutinize carrier proposals.

The Port of Long Beach moved nearly 2.5 million TEU in Q1 2026, down about seven percent from a year earlier. Mr. Gold mentioned that inventory levels remain healthy and retailers are restocking for the summer season.

Tariffs remain a longer-running concern. Sweeping levies imposed in April 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were overturned by the Supreme Court in February 2026, but new Section 122 and Section 301 tariffs are under review.

Mr. Gold noted that importers have been able to secure refunds from the overturned tariffs and expressed hope that the administration avoids broad new measures. Dr. Hacegaba praised federal allocations under the Water Resources Development Act and California legislation enabling Long Beach to benefit from the Harbor Maintenance Tax.