Catenaa, Sunday, May 11, 2025-Major West Coast ports, including the Port of Long Beach, are bracing for a sharp decline in shipments due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
With the volume of vessels arriving expected to drop significantly, port authorities are concerned about job losses and supply chain disruptions.
The Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest in the US, anticipates at least a 20% reduction in cargo by the second half of 2025, partly due to diminished bookings from Asia.
Mario Cordero explained that the decrease in shipments is already evident, with 34 blank sailings—vessels not arriving as scheduled—projected through June.
This is compounded by uncertainty over the final tariff rates, as importers hold off on placing orders. Cordero warned that if the situation does not improve, job cuts could impact workers across the logistics supply chain, from dock workers to truck drivers.
The reduction in cargo could also affect consumer goods, especially as the peak shipping season for back-to-school and holiday products begins in July.
The potential increase in tariffs, particularly on Chinese goods, could lead to higher prices for consumers, with items such as Nike shoes seeing significant price hikes.
The situation is urgent, with many companies looking for clarity on tariffs in the coming weeks. If tariffs are not settled by June, businesses could face further delays in securing products for the fall and holiday seasons.
