The shipping cranes at the Port of Los Angeles on May 6, 2025, in San Pedro, California, reflect a significant decrease in expected cargo ship arrivals this week, attributed to tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing a notable drop in activity.
Outside the Dispatch Office of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13, dock workers gather each weekday morning in hopes of finding work at the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Typically, these workers are assigned tasks relatively easily, receiving a note with job details. However, many left empty-handed on a recent Tuesday morning as cargo volume decreased, leading to reduced work opportunities, according to longshore worker Charlie Camacho.
These ports form a bustling port complex, with the Port of Los Angeles being the busiest in the Western Hemisphere. Since the imposition of increased tariffs on Chinese goods, officials have predicted a downturn in cargo, which has now decreased by 35% compared to the previous year. This reduction in cargo adversely impacts local businesses around the ports, including trucking, shipping, and distribution centers, as well as manufacturers and retailers nationwide and ultimately consumers.
In 2024, roughly 31% of U.S. shipping container trade, whether inbound or outbound, passed through this port complex. The ports handled 19.9 million containers last year, with expectations for a decline in 2025. Camacho, whose family has worked at the ports for generations, expressed pride in his role within this system. Despite the legacy, he remained pessimistic about his work prospects.
The decline in cargo volume extends beyond longshore workers, impacting a wide range of businesses connected to the ports. Frank Groves, an independent vendor selling gloves and safety gear to port workers, reported a significant decrease in sales as work dwindled.
Rob Walpole, CEO of Customs Goods in Carson, California, also noted a considerable reduction in import shipping volumes, affecting his company’s operations. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, emphasized the broader implications of this downturn, with goods moving through the port reaching all 50 states.
The port’s influence extends into various sectors, including food, medical supplies, and manufacturing components, according to Sal Di Constanzo, a labor relations representative for ILWU Local 13. Seroka warned of potential shortages and price hikes for consumers once stockpiled inventory runs out.
Diane Middleton, a former Los Angeles City Harbor Commissioner, highlighted the complexity of quickly resuming normal shipping operations. She suggested that some trade patterns might undergo permanent changes, as countries like China may turn to more politically stable trade partners in the future.
