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Los Angeles Port Surges 17% in May as Shippers Navigate Uncertain Trade Landscape

The Port of Los Angeles processed 840,165 TEUs in May, a significant jump from year-ago levels. Importers moved cargo ahead of potential trade disruptions, with year-to-date container volume reaching 4,119,869 TEUs through May. Loaded imports climbed 26% to 449,370 TEUs, rebounding sharply from depressed volumes a year earlier. Loaded exports declined 10% to 107,657 TEUs, while empty container traffic rose 18% to 283,138 TEUs, signaling anticipation of additional inbound cargo. Port executives attributed the surge to inventory replenishment, fuel cost concerns, and trade-policy uncertainty prompting businesses to operate with shorter planning horizons. The combined Los Angeles-Long Beach complex remains the nation's busiest container gateway.