Key facts
- The Port of Los Angeles set a record in June, handling 1,002,734 TEUs.
- Imports at the Port of Los Angeles increased 13% in June.
- The Port of Long Beach reported its third-busiest June on record.
- Overall U.S. container imports rose 8.2% in June.
- Shippers are rushing goods to avoid higher fuel costs and new U.S. import tariffs.
The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container seaport in the United States, announced a record for cargo volume in June, handling 1,002,734 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This marks the third time the port has surpassed the 1 million TEU threshold. The surge in activity is attributed to shippers, including retailers and data center builders, rushing to import goods ahead of anticipated higher fuel costs and new U.S. import tariffs.
June imports at the Port of Los Angeles increased by 13% year-over-year to 530,558 TEUs, while exports saw a marginal increase of 0.2% to 126,365 TEUs. The nearby Port of Long Beach also reported strong performance, processing 779,331 TEUs in June, its third-busiest June on record, driven by an 11% rise in imports.
Nationally, U.S. container imports grew by 8.2% in June compared to the previous year. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran has disrupted global shipping routes, leading to soaring marine fuel costs. Some businesses are also concerned about potential scarcity and increased prices for raw materials and manufactured goods.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a new tariff strategy this month, utilizing Section 301 of U.S. trade law. These measures aim to reinstate tariffs that were previously invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court.