U.S. Ports Start 2025 with Record-Setting Container Volumes
The U.S. port industry has kicked off 2025 with record-breaking growth, reflecting strong consumer demand, supply chain resilience, and strategic cargo movement ahead of potential tariffs. Major ports across the country reported significant year-over-year gains, signaling a robust start to the year.
Among the standout performers, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach set new benchmarks, with both experiencing their busiest January on record. Other major ports, including those in Seattle-Tacoma and Houston, also saw substantial gains, further reinforcing optimism in the maritime sector.
Port of Los Angeles Reports Historic January
The Port of Los Angeles achieved its busiest January ever, processing 924,245 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—a jump from 855,652 TEUs in January 2024. The record-breaking numbers follow a strong 2024 performance, during which the port handled over 10.3 million TEUs, making it the second-best year in its history.
According to Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, the steady increase in cargo volume over the past seven months, averaging more than 927,000 TEUs per month, has been fueled by a strong U.S. economy, importers hedging against tariffs, and a pre-Lunar New Year cargo rush.
Port of Long Beach Surpasses Expectations
The Port of Long Beach also saw record-breaking numbers, processing 952,733 TEUs—a 41.4% increase from 674,015 TEUs in January 2024. This marks the port’s second-busiest month ever, driven largely by retailers accelerating imports ahead of anticipated tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite ongoing supply chain uncertainties, Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero remains optimistic about the industry’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability, highlighting the port’s efforts to enhance efficiency and maintain growth momentum.
Seattle-Tacoma Alliance Posts Strong Growth
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, reported a 25.4% increase in container volumes. In January 2025, the ports processed 264,869 TEUs, up from 211,283 TEUs in the same month last year.
The port attributed its growth to improved vessel scheduling reliability, strong rail service, and new customer acquisitions, enabling it to surpass its five-year cargo volume average.
Port Houston Sees Continued Expansion
Port Houston also reported a 7% year-over-year increase in January 2025, processing 356,407 TEUs compared to 332,961 TEUs in January 2024. The numbers also represent a 5% increase from December 2024, showing consistent momentum.
This follows a record-breaking 2024, during which Port Houston processed over 53 million tons of cargo, reinforcing its position as a key hub for global trade.
Other Major Ports Yet to Report
While several major ports, including the Port of Oakland, Georgia Ports Authority, South Carolina Ports Authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, have not yet released their January 2025 data, industry analysts expect similarly strong growth trends across the board.
As global trade dynamics evolve, U.S. ports continue to play a critical role in supply chain resilience and economic growth. With rising cargo volumes, strategic investments in infrastructure, and ongoing efficiency improvements, the maritime sector remains well-positioned for continued success in 2025. 🚢📦
Source:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/us-ports-experience-strong-start-2025
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