Port of LA Sees Busiest June Ever as Tariffs ‘Whipsaw’ Imports

The busiest trade hub in the US saw container traffic rebound last month after a slump in May, as importers grapple with volatility driven by President Donald Trump’s trade war.

The Port of Los Angeles processed some 892,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units or TEUs, according to executive director Gene Seroka. That’s a record for June and up 32% from the previous month. Overall, volumes in the first half of the year were up 5% from 2024.

“While record-setting volume is welcome news, it also highlights the tariff whipsaw effect,” Seroka told reporters on Monday.

Since taking office for a second ...