The number of heavy containers exported by the Port of Los Angeles for international shipping has decreased by 18%
In February 2025, the number of heavy containers exported from the Port of Los Angeles decreased by 18% to 109156 TEUs, while the number of empty containers processed surged by 16% to 279006 TEUs. What are the reasons for the surge in empty containers and decline in exports at the Port of Los Angeles? Next, Baiyun.com will provide you with detailed answers, hoping to be helpful to everyone.
Trade uncertainty: Many retailers and manufacturers are importing products through Los Angeles earlier than ever to hedge against tariff risks, resulting in increased inventory. Given the large inventory and uncertainty of tariffs, it may suppress subsequent import demand, thereby affecting exports.
Change in consumption patterns: The trend is towards a decrease in goods consumption and an increase in service consumption, which leads to a decrease in import demand for goods and a corresponding impact on exports.
Port transfer: Due to the ongoing labor negotiations at the Port of Los Angeles, as well as potential disruptions to truck transportation caused by new environments and labor regulations, shippers' risk aversion has led to a continuous shift in cargo volume towards East Coast ports, resulting in a decrease in business volume at the Port of Los Angeles.
Global economic and trade slowdown: Affected by geopolitical events and intensified overseas inflation, the global economy and trade have slowed down, and the demand for sea freight containers has gradually returned to normal from historical highs in 2021. This has also led to a decline in export business at the Port of Los Angeles and an increase in empty containers.
The surge in empty containers and decline in exports at the Port of Los Angeles may have a series of impacts, such as shipping companies continuing to reduce vessel capacity or empty ship navigation, the income of port related enterprises may be affected, and local logistics, warehousing, and other industries may also face a decrease in business volume. However, the Port of Los Angeles maintained a certain growth momentum in February 2025, handling 801398 TEUs of cargo that month, an increase of 2.5% compared to the same period last year, indicating that its overall business volume is still considerable.