Port of Los Angeles Expects 35% Drop in Cargo Due to Trump’s Tariffs

Trump’s Tariffs Hit the Port of Los Angeles

As reported by EFE.

Here are the details.

The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest and largest in capacity in the United States, is forecasting a more than 35% drop in cargo volume next week.

This, as a direct result of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports—particularly those from China.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the port, explained in an interview with CNBC that the expected decline was calculated using the port optimizer, a tool that measures cargo flow from Asia.

«Next week we’ll see a decrease of just over 35% compared to last year,» Seroka stated.

Trump’s Tariffs Hit the Port of Los Angeles

Port of Los Angeles expects more than a third drop in cargo volume next week due to Trump administration tariffs. https://t.co/ljedj2bljk

– Spectrum News NYC (@specnoticiasnyc) April 29, 2025

The drop is largely due to major U.S. retailers halting their shipments from China because of the 25% tariffs imposed on cars, steel, and aluminum.

China accounts for 45% of the port’s business, amplifying the impact of the ongoing trade war.

The Port of Los Angeles handles over 10 million containers annually.

A Major Source of Revenue for California

Import volumes at the Port of Los Angeles—America’s largest port—have nearly halved in the past two weeks.
Signals of a looming recession…. pic.twitter.com/eleppwcspu

– Mercury now or never (@elmercurioaon) April 26, 2025

This makes it a key economic pillar for California, the fourth-largest economy in the world.

The anticipated decline represents a serious blow after setting a record of 1.7 million TEUs in 2024.

Although some companies are turning to Southeast Asia as an alternative, the ability to replace lost volume in the short term is limited. Retailers report that their current inventory may only last six to eight weeks.

Trade War: A Cornerstone of Trump’s Economic Strategy

Port of Los Angeles—busiest in the U.S.—expects 35% drop due to tariffs https://t.co/dtad7dxnkk

– Banking and Business (@bancaynegocios) April 29, 2025

The slump in maritime trade comes amid an economic policy heavily reliant on tariffs, which Trump is using to try to revitalize domestic manufacturing, boost tax revenue, and apply diplomatic pressure.

According to experts, the strategy—though controversial—has already had ripple effects: Mexico and Canada have tightened border controls and ramped up measures against fentanyl, while some manufacturers are reconsidering moving production back to the U.S.

Trump also plans to use tariff revenues to fund an extension of the tax cuts introduced during his first term and to propose new exemptions, such as eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security pensions.

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