US Ports Show Mixed Results in June

 

June brought mixed results for U.S. ports as container volumes shifted in response to early holiday shipping and global trade uncertainties, particularly concerns over rising tariffs. Several major ports reported both gains and losses in year-over-year container traffic, with some bracing for stronger months ahead as importers adjust timelines.

Port of Los Angeles: Early Peak Season

• The Port of Los Angeles saw an 8% year-over-year increase, handling 892,340 TEUs in June.

• Executive Director Gene Seroka noted that some importers are frontloading holiday goods in anticipation of higher tariffs.

• The port handled 4,955,812 containers year-to-date, a 5% increase from last year.

• Los Angeles closed its fiscal year with 10.5 million TEUs, indicating strong performance despite global uncertainty.

Port of Long Beach: Drop in June, Rebound Expected

• The Port of Long Beach reported a 16.4% decline, with 704,403 containers moved in June.

• The dip follows slower processing but could reverse in July due to a 90-day tariff pause.

• Year-to-date volume increased 10.6% to 4,746,631 TEUs.

• CEO Mario Cordero cited improved tracking via the Supply Chain Information Highway to handle upcoming surges.

Other Port Highlights:

• Port of Oakland saw a 12.8% drop in volume (168,460 TEUs), with Maritime Director Bryan Brandes calling it a market recalibration rather than a seasonal dip.

• Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle and Tacoma) reported a 14.7% decrease to 274,537 TEUs, impacted by last year’s labor disputes and current tariff effects.

• Port Houston experienced a modest 2% decline to 331,864 TEUs in June but showed a 3% year-to-date gain. Resin exports continue to be a strong contributor.

• Georgia Ports Authority reported a 9.6% year-over-year decrease to 410,399 TEUs, though the year remains the second busiest in its history.
  • The port is expanding its East Coast market share due to shifting trade patterns from Asia and India.

• South Carolina Ports Authority handled 206,907 TEUs, a 5.1% decline from June 2024.
  • Rail cargo remains a strong growth sector, and fiscal year volume is up 3%.

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported a 3% drop to 687,671 TEUs in June.
  • However, the port achieved a 4.9% year-to-date increase, handling 4.4 million containers in the first half of 2025.

 

Source:

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/us-ports-june-2025