US Ports Show Mixed Results in June
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U.S. ports experienced mixed results as more of them begin to report year-over-year losses for the month of June.
The Port of Los Angeles reported that container volume increased 8% to 892,340 20-foot-equivalent units from 827,757. The results follow a year-over-year decline the month prior, but this came after nearly a year of positive monthly gains. So far this year, the port has handled 5% more containers at 4,955,812.
“Some importers are bringing in year-end holiday cargo now ahead of potential higher tariffs later in the year,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “July may be our peak season month as retailers and manufacturers bring orders in earlier than usual, then brace for trade uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Port of Los Angeles closed its fiscal year on June 30, ending the period handling 10.5 million TEUs.”
The Port of Long Beach reported that volume decreased 16.4% to 704,403 containers from 842,446. This marked a slowdown in how much cargo dockworkers have been able to process recently. But port leaders note the most recent pause on tariffs could drive a rebound for trade in July. The port moved 10.6% more containers during the first six months of this year at 4,746,631 TEUs.
“We’re anticipating a cargo surge in July as retailers stock up on goods ordered during the 90-day pause placed on tariffs and retaliatory tariffs,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “The Port of Long Beach is prepared to handle the influx by tracking trade moving through the harbor with the Supply Chain Information Highway, our digital solution to maximize visibility and efficiency in cargo movement.”
The Port of Oakland showed that volume declined 12.8% to 168,460 containers from 193,158. The decline was driven by shippers and carriers having to adjust to softening demand and ongoing tariff uncertainty. This also marked a 10.1% sequential decline from May.
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“This is not a seasonal dip, but a market recalibration,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Importers and exporters are adjusting their supply chain timing and routing decisions in response to evolving conditions.”
The Northwest Seaport Alliance noted that combined volume between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., decreased 14.7% to 274,537 units from 321,748. International imports decreased due to the impact of tariffs, and because the year-ago period was boosted by diverted cargo from a labor dispute.
Port Houston reported that volume slipped 2% to 331,864 TEUs from 339,157. The port noted that resin exports continue to drive demand at its container terminals. It also noted that year-to-date volume has increased 3% to 2,169,677 from 2,098,117.
The Georgia Ports Authority reported that container volume decreased 9.6% year over year to 410,399 units from 454,128. The port noted that this has been the second-busiest year on record. Leadership also revealed that the port has continued to grow its market share of the East Coast, with the shifting trade patterns in Asia and India expected to be favorable in the future.
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The South Carolina Ports Authority reported June volume decreased 5.1% to 206,907 containers from 218,115. The port handled 2.6 million TEUs so far in fiscal year 2025, which is up 3% from last year. The cargo moving via rail remained a huge growth area for the port.
“South Carolina Ports and our maritime community operate a well-run port with quick access to the U.S. Southeast market, benefiting mega retailers, advanced manufacturers, refrigerated goods shippers, farmers and small businesses,” SC Ports CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our customers know we deliver excellent port service and personalized solutions for their supply chains, which is especially needed now.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported cargo volume decreased 3% to 687,671 from 708,977. The port reported continued strong growth over the first half of the year despite broad global uncertainty across the supply chain. The port handled 4,417,282 TEUs during the first six months of the year, marking a 4.9% increase over the same period in 2024.
The Port of Virginia did not have data available.
