THE Port of Long Beach experienced a significant 8.2 per cent decline in cargo throughput in May, processing 639,160 TEU as tariffs continue to impact global trade flows.
The neighbouring Port of Los Angeles also reported decreased volumes, handling 716,619 TEU, marking a 5 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.
At Long Beach, imports fell 13.4 per cent to 299,116 TEU, while exports decreased 18.6 per cent to 82,149 TEU. The only positive movement came from empty containers, which saw a modest 3.2 per cent increase to 257,895 TEU, reports California's gCaptain.
Despite current challenges, port officials remain optimistic about a near-term rebound.
Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO, anticipates a cargo surge coinciding with the peak shipping season.
'We remain cautiously optimistic that import cargo will rebound at the end of June and into July just in time for the peak shipping season, when retailers stock the shelves with back-to-school supplies and begin preparations for the winter holidays.'
The anticipated surge is largely attributed to a temporary reduction in tariffs.
Following the Trump administration's implementation of a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods in April, many retailers had suspended or cancelled orders.
However, activity has resumed after tariffs were reduced to 30 per cent with a 90-day pause extending until August 12. Similar temporary pauses on reciprocal tariffs with other nations will last until July 9.
Looking ahead, the National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker forecasts a mixed outlook for US containerised imports.
While June through August should see increased activity as importers take advantage of the tariff pause, volumes are expected to decline sharply in the latter part of 2025.
September imports are projected to fall 21.8 per cent year over year, with October showing a 19.8 per cent decrease.
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The neighbouring Port of Los Angeles also reported decreased volumes, handling 716,619 TEU, marking a 5 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.
At Long Beach, imports fell 13.4 per cent to 299,116 TEU, while exports decreased 18.6 per cent to 82,149 TEU. The only positive movement came from empty containers, which saw a modest 3.2 per cent increase to 257,895 TEU, reports California's gCaptain.
Despite current challenges, port officials remain optimistic about a near-term rebound.
Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO, anticipates a cargo surge coinciding with the peak shipping season.
'We remain cautiously optimistic that import cargo will rebound at the end of June and into July just in time for the peak shipping season, when retailers stock the shelves with back-to-school supplies and begin preparations for the winter holidays.'
The anticipated surge is largely attributed to a temporary reduction in tariffs.
Following the Trump administration's implementation of a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods in April, many retailers had suspended or cancelled orders.
However, activity has resumed after tariffs were reduced to 30 per cent with a 90-day pause extending until August 12. Similar temporary pauses on reciprocal tariffs with other nations will last until July 9.
Looking ahead, the National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker forecasts a mixed outlook for US containerised imports.
While June through August should see increased activity as importers take advantage of the tariff pause, volumes are expected to decline sharply in the latter part of 2025.
September imports are projected to fall 21.8 per cent year over year, with October showing a 19.8 per cent decrease.
SeaNews Turkey
