May Cargo Slips at Largest US Ports for First Time in Months
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U.S. ports saw a slowdown in May, with some of the largest experiencing their first year-over-year decrease in months.
The Port of Los Angeles processed 716,619 20-foot-equivalent units during the month, a 5% decrease from the 752,893 TEUs reported during the same time in 2024. This follows 10 consecutive months of year-over-year growth.
The port concluded that the month’s decline was driven by the impact of tariffs on both imports and exports. Despite the drop, for the first five months of the year container traffic rose 4% year over year to 4,063,472 TEUs. Shippers rushing products to the U.S. ahead of tariffs taking effect lifted port activity earlier this year.
“May marked our lowest monthly cargo output in over two years,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said at a media briefing. “Unless long-term, comprehensive trade agreements are reached soon, we’ll likely see higher prices and less selection during the year-end holiday season.”
The Port of Long Beach also reported its first year-over-year decline in months, as volume fell 8.2% to 639,160 units from 695,937. The port likewise placed blame for the decline on tariffs.
That said, Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero suggested that recent temporary pauses on tariffs with certain countries could trigger another cargo surge. The facility’s container volumes for the first five months increased 17.2% to 4,042,228.
“We remain cautiously optimistic that import cargo will rebound at the end of June and into July just in time for the peak shipping season,” said Cordero. “While uncertainty remains for the business sector, the Port of Long Beach is continuing to invest in rail and terminal improvements to move cargo efficiently, safely and sustainably.”
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The Port of Oakland posted a 0.3% decrease for May to 187,389 containers from 188,036, but on a sequential basis saw a slight increase from the 185,499 containers reported in April. The port noted that May results exceeded expectations given the ongoing tariff situation and shifting trade dynamics. Total container volume for the first five months of the year increased 6% to 974,417.
“Operationally, the port continues to perform efficiently,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Strong export demand and consistent operations have helped keep volumes steady even as global trade conditions remain in flux.”
The Northwest Seaport Alliance noted that combined volumes between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., decreased 9.4% to 250,851 units from 276,854. The results also marked the end of 14 consecutive months of sequential growth for full international imports.
Port Houston posted a volume increase of 5% to 381,640 TEUs from 364,866. The port pointed out that the increase in loaded container imports and exports reflects an ongoing balance in containerized trade activity. It’s also continuing to expand operational capabilities. The port noted that year-to-date volume has increased 4% to 1,837,813.
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The Georgia Ports Authority reported that May container volumes increased 2.2% year over year to 500,900 units from 490,332. This marked the third straight month in which the port moved over half a million TEUs. The facility also recorded its second busiest May.
“Three months in a row over half a million TEUs is a testament to customers’ trust in Savannah,” Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch said. “I’d like to thank GPA employees and our partners at Gateway Terminals and the International Longshoremen’s Association for delivering world-class supply chain efficiency, even during market disruptions.”
The South Carolina Ports Authority reported May volume increased 22% to 219,255 containers from 180,105 in 2024. The port noted that container volumes from February through May have been consistently stable, or even higher than expected given ongoing uncertainty in the market. Port leadership also stressed they are continuing to invest in capacity to support customers.
“Regardless of short-term economic fluctuations, the port is a long-cycle business,” SC Ports CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina’s economy and population are thriving, and these strategic investments enable us to handle current cargo volumes, and the cargo that will flow from future investments and population growth in the Southeast.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Port of Virginia did not have data available.
