Port Of Los Angeles Warns 'Difficult Decisions' Ahead As Shipments From China Cease

Cargo volumes at the Port of Los Angeles are expected to fall by over 35% next week, as trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalate under President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. According to Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port, shipments from China have sharply declined, with most major retailers and manufacturers halting orders.

Speaking at the port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners meeting on April 24, Seroka explained that orders from Asia are typically placed three to four months in advance. Despite the administration’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, the delay has not provided meaningful relief for businesses, he noted.

The ongoing trade war is also taking a toll on U.S. exporters. Sectors such as agriculture, heavy manufacturing, and information technology services are facing significant losses due to retaliatory tariffs. “U.S. agricultural exporters are especially hard hit,” Seroka said, highlighting that China imported more soybeans from Brazil in March than ever before.

Retailers have told the port they have just six to eight weeks of inventory left supplies that may run out quickly if trade disruptions continue.

Shipping volumes are already showing sharp declines. Scheduled import volumes for April 27 to May 3 are down 31% from the previous week and 14% compared to the same time last year. Looking ahead, the port expects a 35% drop year-over-year for the following week.

Seroka warned that continued uncertainty in trade policy could force tough decisions for both U.S. manufacturers and consumers. Industry data from logistics firm Flexport reveals that shipping cancellations from China to North America have reached 50%, highlighting the deepening impact of the U.S.-China trade standoff.