The Port of Long Beach has reported its second-busiest January on record, despite the ongoing China-US trade war and widespread economic uncertainty. The port's 847,765 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in January was down 11% from the previous year's best January and second-busiest month in its 115-year history.
These gains came primarily from late 2025 orders and some early frontloading by importers ahead of the February Lunar New Year holiday. The surge in trade at Long Beach has been attributed to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, with importers seeking to secure shipments before potential increases take effect.
Imports fell 13.1% to 409,818 TEUs while exports improved 0.8% to 99,478 TEUs. Empty containers, an indicator of future import shipments, were off by 11.5% to 338,470 TEUs. This decline in empty containers suggests that the trade war has led to a reduction in new shipments.
The port's Chief Executive, Dr. Noel Hacegaba, stated that Long Beach is 'leading the nation in trade' and providing a safe harbor for customers and the goods movement industry amidst tariff uncertainty. However, this statement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the industry, as tariffs continue to impact global trade flows.
The port's record 9.9 million TEUs in 2025 was boosted by importers bringing in shipments earlier than usual due to a spring game of tariff tag between President Donald Trump and China. This early frontloading has helped mitigate some of the effects of the trade war on the industry.
Hacegaba anticipates continued uncertainty following the US Supreme Court's ruling last week declaring unconstitutional two-thirds of tariffs imposed by Trump in 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court's decision may lead to further changes in global trade policies and could impact the port's operations.
The ongoing trade war has led to increased uncertainty across the global supply chain, with customers seeking clarity on whether tariffs already paid will be refunded. This uncertainty is likely to continue, at least in the short term, as the industry waits for further guidance from policymakers.
In light of this uncertainty, importers are looking for ways to manage their risk and mitigate potential losses. One strategy is to secure shipments ahead of potential tariff increases, which has contributed to the surge in trade at Long Beach.
The port's performance highlights the adaptability and resilience of the industry in the face of changing global economic conditions. However, the ongoing trade war remains a significant challenge for the sector, and its impact will likely be felt for some time to come.
The ongoing trade war and economic uncertainty have led to a shift in global supply chain strategies, with importers seeking to secure shipments ahead of potential tariffs.
