The Port of New York and New Jersey Retains Title as Busiest U.S. Container Port
For the second consecutive year, the Port of New York and New Jersey has secured its position as the busiest container port in the United States for the month of May. This achievement comes amidst a competitive rivalry between East and West Coast ports, with the former claiming the top spot this year due to various factors affecting the latter.
Recent data released by the Port of New York and New Jersey indicates a total throughput of 774,698 TEU in May, surpassing the figures of 716,619 TEU for the Port of Los Angeles and 639,160 TEU for the Port of Long Beach. While some argue that the combined volume of the two Southern California ports should be considered for a comprehensive assessment of imports, the East Coast port has demonstrated its resilience and strength in the face of tariff-related uncertainties.
The port officials highlighted the diversified nature of their supply lines, which have enabled them to navigate challenges in the global trade landscape effectively. Despite a slight decrease in volume compared to the previous year, the Port of New York and New Jersey remains optimistic about its performance, citing a 20% increase in volumes compared to pre-pandemic levels in May 2019.
Strong Performances Across East Coast Ports
Alongside the Port of New York and New Jersey, other East Coast ports have also shown strong results in May. Savannah, Georgia, recorded its second-busiest month, handling 500,900 TEU and maintaining a consistent performance above half a million containers for the third consecutive month.
Challenges Faced by West Coast Ports
In contrast, West Coast ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach faced challenges in May, primarily attributed to the impact of trade policies and tariffs. Both ports experienced a decline in volumes, with Los Angeles reporting a 5% decrease year-over-year and Long Beach recording an over 8% drop in volumes for May 2025.
However, there is optimism for a rebound in volumes following recent developments in trade agreements between the U.S. and China. The announcement of a trade framework involving rare earth minerals and technology restrictions relaxation signifies a positive step towards de-escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
Potential for Recovery and Growth
Port officials on the West Coast are hopeful that the temporary setbacks experienced in May will be short-lived, especially with the ongoing efforts to ease trade restrictions. Despite the recent challenges, both the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach maintain their position as leaders in the U.S. container market, handling approximately 4 million TEU each in the first five months of 2025.
Looking ahead, the Port of New York and New Jersey continues to demonstrate steady growth, with a 6.5% increase in volume compared to the previous year. Similarly, Los Angeles and Long Beach have shown positive trends in the first five months of 2025, hinting at a promising outlook for the remainder of the year.