Import Volumes at the Port of Los Angeles Surge Amid Rising Freight Costs and Tariff Pressures

Import cargo volumes at Los Angeles - the busiest container port in the United States - reached their second-highest level in history in May. The surge was driven by retailers rushing to bring in products such as plastic school supplies before ocean carriers begin passing through higher fuel costs via surcharge adjustments expected to take effect from July 1.

A Wave of Accelerated Imports

The conflict involving Iran has significantly disrupted maritime trade flows across the Middle East while reducing supplies of crude oil and petroleum-based feedstocks used in the production of plastics and numerous other consumer goods. Rising bunker fuel costs have heightened concerns among manufacturers and retailers that key raw materials could become scarce or that transportation expenses could increase substantially.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, said companies are currently weighing energy costs, tariffs, inventory requirements, and geopolitical risks when making sourcing and transportation decisions.

Commenting on current shipper behavior, he noted: "When they find a window of stability, many are moving quickly to take advantage, speeding cargo through the supply chain while conditions allow."

Strong Growth Recorded at the Port of Los Angeles

According to the latest port statistics, the Port of Los Angeles handled a total of 840,165 TEUs in May. Import container volume reached 449,370 TEUs, representing a 26% increase year-over-year.

It is worth noting that during the same period last year, the removal of certain U.S. import tariffs prompted many shippers to slow purchasing activity, resulting in a temporary easing of cargo flows.

Seroka expects throughput volumes in June and July to remain even stronger than those recorded in May. He also indicated that global supply chains could require several months to fully normalize following the end of hostilities in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

Dual Pressure from Fuel Costs and Tariffs

Marine fuel prices across 20 major global ports nearly doubled during March, reaching USD 1,053 per metric ton shortly before U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran began. Prices have since eased somewhat amid optimism surrounding potential ceasefire agreements.

However, beginning July 1, vessel operators are expected to introduce fuel cost recovery mechanisms into long-term shipping contracts, which cover the majority of global cargo volumes.

Market pressure is being further amplified by the anticipated expiration of the global 10% tariff under Section 122 at the end of July. In addition, the Trump administration has proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries linked to allegations of forced labor practices.

These developments have prompted importers to accelerate purchasing and inventory replenishment efforts in an attempt to mitigate the risk of rising costs.

Strong Recovery in Plastic Imports

The broader growth trend is also reflected in data released by supply chain technology provider Descartes Systems Group, which reported that total U.S. containerized imports in May increased 11.5% year-over-year.

Further analysis from Descartes Datamyne shows that imports of plastic products classified under HS Code 39 rose 26%, reaching 251,706 TEUs.

Particularly notable was the sharp increase in imports of plastic office and school supplies, which surged by nearly 87% compared with the previous year. Imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware also recorded a substantial 57% year-over-year increase.

These figures highlight the extent to which importers are advancing shipments in anticipation of higher transportation costs and potential changes in U.S. trade policy, further supporting strong demand across key containerized cargo segments.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Marine Link)

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