The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) reported a year‑on‑year decline in January volumes, easing from the unusually strong levels recorded at the start of 2025 as cargo flows normalized across major U.S. gateways.

Port of LA, North America's busiest cargo port, processed 812,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January, a decrease of 12% compared to last year's cargo levels.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said January's softer volumes reflect a mix of tariff‑driven comparisons, lingering inventory levels and ongoing uncertainty around U.S. trade policy.

"There are several factors at play," he told a media briefing. "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."

"Finally, U.S. trade policy continues to keep everyone on edge. However, the American consumer has shown remarkable resilience. And purchase orders that go out three months in advance to Asia look stable, a good sign," he added.

January 2026 loaded imports came in at 421,594 TEUs, 13% less than last year.

Loaded exports landed at 104,297 TEUs, an 8% drop compared to 2025. The Port handled 286,110 empty container units, 12% less than last year.

At the close of 2025, Port of LA moved 10.2 million container units, marking the third-highest volume in its 118-year history and only the third time it has surpassed the 10-million TEU threshold.

In 2024, the port handled a total of 10.3 million container units.

In anticipation of future cargo demand, Seroka laid out the port's investment priorities for 2026 and beyond — outlined on Port of LA's "Build Bigger and Build Smarter" framework focused on infrastructure, technology, community and the environment.