LA Port Cargo Drops 25% in May: Tariff Pause Creates Uncertainty

Port of Los Angeles Cargo Plunges 25% in May Amid Tariff Pause The Port of Los Angeles experienced a sharp 25% decline in incoming cargo during May 2025, according to Gene Seroka, the port's executive director. This substantial drop, reported by CNBC, is attributed in part to the recent 90-day tariff pause. While some goods have arrived earlier than anticipated, the overall impact remains significant. "The 90-day pause is not a lot of runway in our business," Seroka stated in an interview. He also compared the current situation to the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, when cargo volume plummeted by 50%. The brevity of the tariff pause raises concerns about a potential future surge in cargo volume as businesses attempt to catch up on delayed shipments. The situation highlights the delicate balance between trade policy and the smooth functioning of major ports like Los Angeles. This event underscores the significant impact of trade policies on global supply chains and the importance of careful planning and adaptation by port authorities and businesses alike.