Record 32% Surge! LA Port Hits All-Time High Container Volume in June

Key Data & Drivers

Historic Volume:

• June 2025: 892,340 TEUs (117-year record)

• H1 2025: 4.96M TEUs (+5% YoY)

• May→June Spike: 32% increase after tariff-related lull

⚡ Tariff "Tug-of-War" Effect:

• April Slowdown: Trump’s baseline tariffs froze imports.

• June Rush: Partial tariff suspensions triggered "stockpiling frenzy" before August 1 deadlines.

• CEO Quote: "This isn’t organic growth – it’s tariff-driven timing shifts" – Gene Seroka, Port of LA

Sector Impact & Outlook

Retailer Strategies:

• Yedi Houseware: Stockpiled 5 months of inventory (air fryers, waffle makers from China).

• NRF Warning: Double-digit import drops expected August–November; consumer prices to rise.

What’s Next?:

• July: 7 extra vessels added to beat August 1 tariffs (expected 2nd surge).

• Post-August: "Imports will plummet as retailers avoid holiday overstock" – Seroka

• Price Hikes: "Consumers’ bills will reflect tariffs in 3–6 weeks" – John Zolidis, Quo Vadis Capital