Los Angeles Port Imports Drop 9 Percent in May as Tariff Uncertainty Looms

The Port of Los Angeles reported a 9% year-on-year decline in imports for May 2025, with volumes expected to remain weak for the rest of the year. The port handled 355,950 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of imported goods last month, reflecting the impact of reduced trade between the US and China.

This decline can be traced back to the 145% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods, which led companies to cancel or delay shipments. Although the US and China recently agreed to pause tariff escalations for 90 days, and the US reduced tariffs on many Chinese goods to 30%, the long-term outlook remains pessimistic.

China, the largest supplier of seaborne goods to the US, relies heavily on the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest gateway for imports. Along with the Port of Long Beach, these two facilities handle 31% of US ocean trade and are viewed as critical indicators of the country’s economic health.

Despite a recent uptick in shipments following the May 12 tariff adjustment, Maersk noted in a client advisory that importers are still struggling with a 30% increase in costs for Chinese products. Industry experts predict that 2025 import volumes will decline compared to 2024 due to uncertain tariff policies and potential legal challenges.

Consumer demand remains volatile, further dampening expectations for a recovery in trade. Long Beach’s May data is yet to be released but is anticipated to show a decline of over 10% in import volumes.