The Port of Los Angeles experienced record numbers in January due to strong demand and early frontloading in anticipation of the expected U.S. tariffs against several countries, including China.

Port of LA, North America's busiest cargo hub, said it processed 924,245 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January.

"It was the busiest start in the Port's 117-year history and an 8% increase over last year," the port said.

January 2025 loaded imports came in at 483,831 TEUs, a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Loaded exports came in at 113,271 TEUs, a 10.5% decrease over 2024. The Port processed 327,143 empty containers, a 14% jump compared to last year.

 [Source: Port of LA]

"This January milestone adds to a great run of strong volume, with the last seven months averaging more than 927,000 container units," Gene Seroka,  executive director of the Port of LA, told a media briefing.

"A strong economy, along with importers bringing in cargo as a hedge against tariffs and ahead of Lunar New Year, were key factors in January," he added.