Recently, the Port of Los Angeles achieved the busiest month in its 117-year history, processing 1,019,837 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs)—an 8.5% increase compared to July 2024. The surge was fueled by retailers and manufacturers frontloading cargo to avoid anticipated tariff hikes later in the year.
Record-Breaking Cargo Movement
Recent performance shattered previous records, surpassing the Port’s former high of 1,012,048 TEUs set in May 2021.
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Loaded imports reached 543,728 TEUs, up 8% year-on-year—the highest monthly import volume ever recorded at the Port.
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Loaded exports totaled 121,507 TEUs, a 6% increase from 2024.
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Empty containers processed stood at 354,602 units, 10% higher than last year.
According to Executive Director Gene Seroka, smooth operations amid the surge were possible due to the combined efforts of longshore workers, terminal operators, rail crews, truckers, and other supply chain partners.
Tariff Concerns Drive Frontloading
The record-breaking month reflects a strategic shipping trend—frontloading goods ahead of potential tariff increases. Dr. Zachary Rogers of Colorado State University highlighted that tariff concerns have been influencing transportation, warehousing, and inventory management for months. This preemptive approach has led to congested yet efficiently managed port terminals, ensuring no delays despite the massive cargo influx.
Seven months into 2025, the Port of Los Angeles has handled 5,975,649 TEUs, a 5% increase from the same period in 2024. With July setting a new milestone, the Port continues to cement its position as America’s top gateway for global trade, proving its capability to handle unprecedented cargo volumes while maintaining operational efficiency.
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Source: THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES
