LA port volumes expected to slide 10% on US-China trade clash

Port officials warn of a decline in container volumes in the coming months, with cancelled sailings and falling import bookings.

IMAGE: A fleet of cargo ships fills the port of Los Angeles. Getty Images.

The Port of Los Angeles is preparing for a 10% drop in cargo volumes in the second half of 2025 as renewed trade tensions between the US and China begin to take a toll on global shipping flows.

Executive Director Gene Seroka sounded the alarm during a media briefing on 11 April, noting that 12 transpacific sailings scheduled for May have already been cancelled - up from seven cancellations in the same month last year.

“The second half of the year will be challenging,” Seroka said. “Many importers have already brought their goods in early to beat tariffs, and as prices rise, consumers will start pulling back.”

According to port data, import bookings dropped 64% between late March and early April. Imports from China specifically fell 36%, while loaded exports in March slumped 15% year-on-year.

China has responded to US tariffs with retaliatory duties of up to 125%, hitting key American exports such as agricultural goods and vehicles.

Also present at the briefing, Joe Kramek, CEO of the World Shipping Council, raised concerns about new U.S. proposals to impose fees on container ships built in China, which could further complicate carrier costs and fleet availability.

The wave of cancelled sailings and lower demand could have a knock-on effect on marine fuel demand at the port.

With fewer container ships arriving or departing, bunkering volumes are likely to fall in the coming months.

Container ship operators are already adjusting. Some are expected to consolidate cargo on fewer sailings, slow steam to reduce costs, or re-route services to other North American ports like those on the east coast or in Mexico.

This could not only reduce throughput at the Port of Los Angeles, but also shift bunker demand to alternate hubs.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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