In July 2025, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach achieved their highest-ever monthly container volumes, driven by importers rushing to beat potential tariff hikes.
 |
| Container cranes and cargo ships operate at full capacity at the Port of Long Beach in July 2025, when the harbor posted its highest-ever monthly container volume. (Photo courtesy of the Port of Long Beach) |
In a notable development for U.S. maritime logistics, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach recorded their highest-ever monthly cargo volumes in July 2025. The surge in container traffic was largely driven by importers accelerating shipments to beat potential tariff increases anticipated later this year.
According to the Port of Los Angeles, a total of 1,019,837 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were handled during the month, marking the busiest period in the port’s 117-year history. This figure includes a significant rise in imported goods, totaling 543,728 TEUs, as well as a 6% year-on-year growth in exports and a 10% jump in empty containers processed. The Port of Long Beach also reported a record-breaking month, with 944,232 TEUs handled—up 7% compared to July of the previous year.
Port officials from both locations attributed the growth to strong consumer demand and strategic coordination among terminal operators, labor unions, and transport partners. Industry observers note that while this front-loading trend is boosting short-term volumes, it may lead to a temporary slowdown in late summer or early fall. Nonetheless, the ports’ ability to process near-record throughput without major congestion highlights the effectiveness of recent infrastructure investments and operational planning.
Sources: