The Port of Los Angeles Sets New Record for Busiest June

The Port of Los Angeles handled 892,340 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in June, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year and setting a new record for the busiest June in the port’s 117-year history.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the increase to importers bringing in year-end holiday cargo ahead of potential higher tariffs later in the year. He anticipates July to be the peak season month as retailers and manufacturers adjust to trade uncertainty.

The port closed its fiscal year with 10.5 million TEUs processed, without any vessel backups, solidifying its position as the Western Hemisphere’s busiest container port. June’s loaded imports totaled 470,450 TEUs, up 10% from 2024, while loaded exports reached 126,144 TEUs, showing a 3% improvement. Empty container units processed amounted to 295,746, a 7% increase year-over-year.

With nearly 5 million TEUs handled in the first half of 2025, a 5% increase over the same period last year, the port continues its strong performance amidst broader economic uncertainty.

Impact of Tariff Uncertainty

The Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates suggests U.S. ports may experience a temporary volume rebound in July before expected declines when delayed tariffs take effect. The Trump Administration’s tariff policy has created significant supply chain uncertainty, with retailers stocking up before potential tariff changes.

Industry experts predict volume declines ranging from 10.4% to 21.3% from August through November, partially due to impending tariffs. Ben Hackett of Hackett Associates emphasized the importance of a smooth and predictable trade environment for the global supply chain to function efficiently.