Cargo volumes dipped sharply at Southern California’s container ports in May, reflecting continued disruption from tariff policies and shifting global trade patterns. The Port of Long Beach handled 639,160 TEUs, down -8.2% year-over-year. Imports fell -13.4% and exports fell -18.6%, while empty containers rose slightly by 3.2%.

The Port of Los Angeles also saw a decline, handling 716,619 TEUs, a -5% year-over-year decrease in cargo volumes. Loaded imports were down -9%, and exports dropped -5%, making it the port’s weakest month in over two years, according to port officials.

gCaptain roports Port of Long Beach CEO, Mario Cordero, as being “cautiously optimistic”. A rebound of imports is anticipated beginnign in late June, driven by seasonal restocking and back-to-school demand. This expected bump follows the easing of the U.S. tariff on Chinese goods that had caused many retailers to hold or cancel orders.

The National Retail Federation’s Global Port Tracker projects stronger activity through August. However, import volumes are projected to decline sharply in the fall, with September import volumes expected to drop -21.8% year-over-year, and October by -19.8%.

Year-to-date figures have a more promising outlook. The Port of Long Beach has processed over 4 million TEUs so far, up 17.2% from the same period last year. The Port of Los Angeles is also ahead, with a 4% increase compared to the same five-month period in 2024.

Source: gCaptain