The Port of Los Angeles handled 883,053 TEUs in September 2025, down 7.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY), but still marked its strongest quarter on record with 2.9 million TEUs moved in Q3.
Loaded imports totalled 460,044 TEUs in September, down 7.6 per cent YoY. Exports remained stable at 114,693 TEUs. Empty container movements fell 10 per cent, reaching 308,317 TEUs.
For the year to date (YTD), the port has handled 7.81 million TEUs — a 3 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka, stated: “As trade policy unfolds, we can only predict more unpredictability. The supply chain has been on a roller coaster all year and that ride continues.”
Seroka noted that around 20 per cent of vessels calling at the port are China-built, along with some cargo-handling equipment.
He added: “Tariffs in one area tend to lead to rising prices in other segments. In the end, making goods more expensive.”
Joining Seroka, Richard DiNucci — former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations — addressed the broader implications of the US government shutdown on international trade.
Recently, the Port of Los Angeles sought proposals from interested parties to participate in the pre-development of Pier 500, a proposed new stand-alone marine container terminal along the Pier 400 Channel.