Roundup: Busiest U.S. ports see cargo surge amid tariff concerns

The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle around 40 percent of U.S. imports, serving as a major gateway for trade with Asia, particularly China. However, both ports are concerned about the impact of likely new tariffs.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, the two busiest container ports in the United States, on Tuesday reported a strong surge in volumes for November, amid concerns over the potential imposition of new tariffs on foreign imports under Donald Trump's second term.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 884,315 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in November, a 16-percent increase from the previous year. So far in 2024, it has moved nearly 9.38 million TEUs, 19 percent ahead of 2023, and is on track to surpass 10 million TEUs for only the second time in its 117-year history. The Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed this milestone to the collective efforts of port workers and partners.

The Port of Long Beach, right next to the Port of Los Angeles, also saw a record November, moving 884,154 TEUs, up 20.9 percent from last year. The port is projected to handle 9.6 million TEUs by year-end, exceeding its previous record from the pandemic period in 2021.

"Retailers are keeping the shelves stocked and shoppers are able to purchase gifts for the holidays thanks to the outstanding efforts by our dedicated workforce and terminal operators," said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. "As we enter the new year, we will continue to deliver extraordinary customer service and build for a sustainable future."

Together, these twin ports handle around 40 percent of U.S. imports, serving as a major gateway for trade with Asia, particularly China. However, both ports are concerned about the impact of new tariffs. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China after taking office, which port officials worry could lead to a decline in cargo volume.

In an online briefing Tuesday with Scott Kelly, vice president of Ocean Services, The Americas for Expeditors International, Seroka pointed out that "the concern and unpredictability surrounding tariffs will likely dominate our discussions about global shipping to start off 2025 in Los Angeles."

"While the strong consumer trends are promising, it's important to highlight a few geopolitical issues that have led to increased cargo movement through Los Angeles. These include the unresolved labor contract negotiations on the Eastern and Gulf Coast as well as front loading of cargo, (which) is a hedge against potential tariffs, and the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea."

Kelly said during the discussion that most customers have adopted a "wait and see" approach, adding "They're trying to figure out what will happen or evaluating their options."

Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, was quoted as saying last month by the Long Beach Post that "Increased tariffs would likely lead to a decline in cargo volume through the port and a reduction in the amount of labor needed."

"I've said this before and I'll say it again, no one wins in a trade war," Cordero was quoted as saying.

When tariffs were implemented in 2018, during Trump's first term, the Port of Long Beach saw an overall 20-percent decrease in two-way trade with China, Cordero said.

China remains the top trading partner for the Port of Long Beach, accounting for around 70 percent of its imports and 20 percent of exports, according to port data.