Los Angeles port cargo falls 5% in May amid tariff pressures

The Port of Los Angeles reported a cargo throughput of 716,619 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in May 2025, reflecting a 5% year-on-year decline and marking its lowest monthly cargo volume in over two years. This drop ends a streak of ten consecutive months of growth and signals growing pressure from newly imposed tariffs affecting both imports and exports.

Imports for the month stood at 355,950 TEUs, down 9% compared to May 2024, while exports declined by 5% to 120,196 TEUs. Despite the downturn, the port noted a slight 2% increase in empty container movement, according to an official media release.

As one of the most critical shipping ports and freight handling centers globally, the performance of the Port of Los Angeles is closely watched by international logistics players. These figures underscore the volatility in port logistics in supply chain operations, especially as global trade policy shifts continue to influence cargo patterns.