LA Port Cargo Drops in January Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Cargo movements flatten as importers rush to move goods ahead of tariffs in 2025.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Port of Los Angeles saw a 12% drop in cargo containers processed in January 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier. Port officials cited several factors, including importers rushing to move cargo ahead of tariffs in 2025, higher inventories, and ongoing uncertainty around U.S. trade policy.

Why it matters

The drop in cargo at the LA port reflects the broader economic impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty, which can disrupt supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and create challenges for major transportation hubs like the Port of Los Angeles.

The details

The port processed about 812,000 cargo containers in January 2026, down 12% from January 2025. Port officials said several factors contributed to the decline, including importers rushing to move goods ahead of tariffs in 2025, slightly higher inventories, and ongoing uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. While some tariffs may make economic sense, others 'don't make a whole lot of economic sense' and generate uncertainty for businesses, according to an economist.

  • In January 2026, the Port of Los Angeles processed about 812,000 cargo containers, a 12% drop from January 2025.
  • In 2025, importers rushed to move additional cargo ahead of tariffs.

The players

Gene Seroka

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director.

Chad Brown

A leading authority on tariffs and trade policy impacts, and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute of Economics.

Jonathan Gold

Vice president for supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation.

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What they’re saying

“First, we're comparing January to 2025 elevated numbers when importers were scrambling to get cargo in ahead of tariffs. Second, inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace.”

— Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director (dailybreeze.com)

“With tariffs still a matter of debate in the courts and in Congress, their effect on imports is being clearly seen. The situation underscores the need for clear and predictable trade policies that support supply chain certainty and reliability, business planning and consumer affordability. Tariffs are a tax on U.S. businesses that is ultimately paid by consumers through higher prices.”

— Jonathan Gold, Vice president for supply chain and customs policy, National Retail Federation (dailybreeze.com)

“Tariffs under the current administration have been unpredictable, and they are 'something that even economists are trying to figure out'.”

— Chad Brown, Senior fellow, Peterson Institute of Economics (dailybreeze.com)

What’s next

The future of tariffs in 2026 remains a wild card, with some tariffs making economic sense while others 'don't make a whole lot of economic sense' and generate uncertainty for businesses.

The takeaway

The drop in cargo at the Port of Los Angeles underscores the broader economic impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty, which can disrupt supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and create challenges for major transportation hubs like the port.