Ports Post Cargo Growth in March, but Possible Slowdown Looms
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Container volume grew at U.S. ports in March despite uncertainty around tariffs.
The Port of Los Angeles processed 778,406 20-foot equivalent units during the month, a 4.7% increase from 743,417 in 2024. The port ended the first quarter 5.2% ahead of the prior year’s Q1 at 2,504,049 containers and has recorded year-over-year growth in 18 of the past 20 months.
“The start of the second quarter looks encouraging as importers begin to plan for spring and summer fashion as well as back to school,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said at a media briefing. “However, with tariff and counter-tariffs dominating the news, I expect we’ll see cargo decline in the second half of the year at least 10% compared to 2024.”
The Port of Long Beach said container volume for the month increased 25% year over year to 817,457 units from 654,082. The latest results marked the 10th consecutive month that volume increased from the prior year. Container volume for the first three months increased 26.6% to 2,535,575. The port also noted that the past six months have been its busiest ever.
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“We are leading the way as the nation’s busiest port by ensuring the fastest, most efficient delivery of cargo from our docks to anywhere in the United States,” Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said. “Our investments in state-of-the art, modern facilities allow us to move record amounts of cargo with maximum efficiency as we continue to deliver the highest standard of customer service.”
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The Port of Oakland posted a 7.2% increase to 217,415 containers from 202,815. For the first quarter, containers increased 6.3% year over year to 601,527. Loaded imports, particularly furniture and electric batteries, helped drive the growth. Loaded exports experienced modest growth.
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“As we close the first quarter, we’re encouraged by the steady growth in cargo volume,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said. “At the same time, we’re mindful of evolving trade policy discussions and potential tariff actions that will affect the broader market. We remain committed to providing reliable service, maintaining strong infrastructure and working closely with our partners to navigate whatever lies ahead.”
Georgia Ports Authority noted that container volume increased 22.5% to 534,000 TEUs from 435,997, marking its busiest March ever. Intermodal cargo set an all-time monthly record with 52,645 containers moved by rail.
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“From our docks and the container yard, to the truck gates and on-terminal rail, our operations teams are achieving strong metrics in cargo flow,” GPA Chief Operating Officer Ed McCarthy said. “That translates into supply chain velocity for our customers who want to exercise more control on order fulfillment speed.”
South Carolina Ports Authority reported volume increased 11% to 240,857 TEUs from 202,349, the second consecutive month of stronger container volume. It installed a new steel wall to further strengthen the terminal so that it can handle bigger ships, and the upstate inland portion of the port recently completed a significant expansion to handle more cargo.
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“With the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast and strategic port investments at our terminals, SC Ports can efficiently handle the biggest ships at any tide,” SC Ports President Barbara Melvin said. “These investments save our customers time and money. Ocean carriers can access our terminals without waiting, and we provide highly productive port service to quickly work ships and speed goods to market.”
Port Houston reported that container volume rebounded after a fog-induced slowdown the previous month, increasing 22.5% to 534,000 units from 435,997, marking its busiest March ever. The port also reached 1,068,695 units year to date, about flat compared with 2024.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey experienced an 11.7% increase year over year to 783,000 TEUs from 701,609. The Port of Baltimore did not have monthly numbers available.
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