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• Tariffs imposed by the U.S. government are significantly impacting import activity at the Port of Los Angeles.
• Port activity is predicted to drop by 35% over the next 14 days, with 17 ships already canceling their trips in May.
• This slowdown could lead to job losses and higher prices for consumers.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest container ports in the U.S., is facing a significant decline in import activity due to tariffs. Gene Seroka, the Port’s Executive Director, has warned of a 35% drop in port activity over the next two weeks.

Core Players

• Gene Seroka – Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles
• Nanette Barragan – U.S. Representative (D-San Pedro)
• Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach – Major U.S. container ports

Key Numbers

• 35% – Predicted drop in port activity over the next 14 days
• 17 – Number of ships that have canceled their trips to the Port of Los Angeles in May
• 225,000 – Fewer 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo due to blank sailings
• $21.8 billion – Direct revenue generated by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2023
• 165,462 – Jobs created directly and indirectly by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The tariffs imposed by the U.S. government have been the primary cause of the slowdown at the Port of Los Angeles. These tariffs, affecting $180 billion in trade, have led to a significant reduction in import volumes.

“It was really concerning to hear President Trump, when he was asked about the slowdown, say it was a good thing,” said Rep. Nanette Barragan. “It’s insulting to people at the ports and American families who are going to start to see prices going up.”

Inside Forces

The port’s internal dynamics are heavily influenced by the tariff policies. The cancellation of 17 ship trips in May alone, known as “blank sailings,” indicates a substantial decrease in cargo processing. This reduction translates to 225,000 fewer TEUs, which could result in significant job losses.

Roughly four TEUs represent one job at the port, highlighting the potential for widespread employment impacts.

Power Dynamics

The power dynamics at play involve the U.S. government’s tariff policies and their impact on the port’s operations. The Port of Los Angeles and neighboring Long Beach are critical for U.S. trade, handling about one-third of all containerized cargo entering the country.

The ports’ proximity to China and the rest of Asia makes them a crucial hub, but also a focal point for the effects of tariffs.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of the tariffs extend beyond the ports to the entire economy. Higher costs due to tariffs can lead to increased prices for consumers and potential shortages of goods. The ripple effects could harm communities reliant on port activities, such as Long Beach and San Pedro.

The tariffs also impact national trade, with 1.47 million jobs nationwide tied to the affected trade volumes.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the situation at the Port of Los Angeles is likely to remain challenging. Importers may continue to face uncertainty, leading to further adjustments in their supply chains. The potential for tariffs to be adjusted or removed could alleviate some of the pressure, but until then, the port and its stakeholders will need to adapt to the new landscape.

Cargo from China may still flow into the U.S., but at a reduced rate, and some goods may be held in ports or warehouses until the tariff situation improves.

Data Points

• 2023: Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach contributed $21.8 billion in direct revenue and generated $2.7 billion in state and local taxes.
• 2024: The Port of Los Angeles processed over 10 million TEUs.
• May 2025: 17 confirmed blank sailings, equivalent to 225,000 fewer TEUs.
• 1.47 million – Jobs nationwide tied to trade affected by tariffs.