Imports at the Port of Los Angeles surged in June as American retailers scrambled to bring in goods ahead of potential new tariffs, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy. The port handled 470,450 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of incoming cargo last month, marking a nearly 10% year-on-year increase and setting a new record for June, according to Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
The sharp increase follows a temporary easing of tensions between the U.S. and China after both sides reached a short-term trade truce. Imports rebounded 32% from May’s subdued levels, which were impacted by a brief imposition of 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. “We’re seeing a peak season push right now to bring in goods ahead of potentially higher tariffs later this summer,” Seroka said, noting that orders for year-end holiday stock are already finalized with Chinese manufacturers.
The rise in container traffic underscores what Seroka described as the “tariff whipsaw effect” rapid shifts in import patterns tied directly to changes in U.S. tariff policy. The latest spike reflects businesses’ efforts to avoid anticipated tariff hikes, particularly President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing 30% tariffs on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1. Retailers are bracing for further disruption.
Los Angeles port sets new June record as retailers race to import
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts double-digit declines in U.S. imports from August through November as companies adjust to the latest tariff timelines. Shippers expect these policy shifts to reduce volumes later in the summer, ending the current import rush. Businesses are already feeling the impact of mounting costs. Los Angeles-based Yedi Houseware, which supplies kitchen appliances to retailers like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less, has increased prices by 10% to offset US tariffs.
“Half of our SKUs won’t be available this year,” said President Bobby Djavaheri, explaining that higher tariffs have forced the company to prioritize faster-moving, higher-margin products. Meanwhile, freight forwarding companies note that some retailers accelerated orders to beat the looming deadlines while others stuck to standard schedules, waiting to see how policies evolve. “Although we’re approaching the traditional retail peak season, it’s unlikely we’ll see typical peak volumes,” said Mike Short, president of global freight forwarding at C.H. Robinson. “Many customers are still working through inventories and are being selective, bringing in only essential goods.”
Trade uncertainty drives surge in container volumes at LA port
Shifting manufacturing bases to avoid tariffs is also presenting challenges. While some companies are moving production to countries like Vietnam, supply chains remain heavily reliant on Chinese components. Kim Vaccarella, CEO of accessories company Bogg, said her firm has cut production from four to two bag models as uncertainty persists. “We’re still sourcing machines and materials from China, so there’s no escaping the tariffs entirely,” she said.
Despite record figures at the Port of Los Angeles, industry leaders caution against viewing the increase as sustainable. “We’re watching and responding to these changes in real time,” said Josh Allen, chief commercial officer at ITS Logistics. He noted that while the logistics sector is adapting, the broader slowdown in trade will continue to shape future activity. – By Content Syndication Services.