Port of LA Imports Slump as Trump Tariffs Disrupt Trade Flows

Cargo volume down 12% as importers slow restocking amid trade uncertainty

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Total container traffic at the Port of Los Angeles dropped 12% in January compared to the previous year, as exports and imports weakened due to several factors including importers rushing to move freight ahead of President Trump's tariffs in 2025 and higher inventory levels reflecting the earlier cargo surge.

Why it matters

The Port of Los Angeles is a major gateway for international trade, so declines in cargo volume can signal broader disruptions in global supply chains and trade flows. The impact of Trump-era tariffs continues to reverberate, with importers and exporters adjusting their strategies in response to the ongoing trade uncertainty.

The details

Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka cited two key reasons for the 12% drop in January container traffic: 1) Importers were rushing to move freight ahead of tariffs in 2025, leading to elevated numbers that year, and 2) Inventories remain slightly higher as importers take a more cautious approach to restocking. Despite the trade war uncertainty, Seroka noted that 'purchase orders that go out three to six months remain fairly robust.'

  • Total container traffic dropped 12% in January 2026 compared to January 2025.
  • In 2025, importers were scrambling to move freight ahead of tariffs.

The players

Gene Seroka

Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who implemented tariffs that disrupted trade flows.

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What they’re saying

“There are several factors at play. First, we're comparing January to 2025's 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, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles (Bloomberg Law)

The takeaway

The ongoing impact of Trump-era tariffs continues to disrupt global trade flows, with importers and exporters adjusting their strategies in response to the uncertainty. The decline in cargo volume at the Port of LA signals broader challenges in international supply chains that may persist even as new trade policies take shape.