The Port of Los Angeles processed 883,053 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in September. While cargo volume decreased by 7.5% compared to last year, this propelled the port to its best quarter on record.
“As trade policy unfolds, we can only predict greater unpredictability. When the sweeping changes were announced, importers abruptly suspended their orders from China. When those policies were eased and deadlines were extended, cargo volumes recovered. The supply chain has been on a roller coaster all year long and that trend continues,” stated Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.
“Approximately 20% of the vessels calling at the Port of Los Angeles are of Chinese manufacture. Some cargo handling equipment and cranes are also manufactured in China. Tariffs in one area tend to cause price increases in other segments. Ultimately, they make products more expensive,” added Seroka.
In September 2025, loaded imports reached 460,044 TEUs, down 7.6% from last year. Loaded exports reached 114,693 TEUs, about the same amount as in 2024. The port handled 308,317 empty containers, down 10% from last year.
The Port closed the third quarter with 2.9 million TEUs, its best quarter in history. Nine months into 2025, the Port of Los Angeles has handled 7,817,057 TEUs, 3% more than the same period in 2024.
