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Loaded Imports at Port of Los Angeles Climb Ahead of Shipping Rate Hikes

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Loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles, California, jumped 26% year over year to 449,370 twenty-foot equivalent units in May, according to port data on Tuesday, as retailers and manufacturers rushed to move goods prior to the July rate hikes by shipping companies.

The US-Iran war that began in late February has resulted in logistical disruptions and a surge in fuel prices. This has triggered a rise in shipping rates, with several ocean carriers, including Maersk and CMA CGM, recently announcing rate increases and surcharges beginning next month.

Tariff uncertainties also add to the pressure, following a proposal by the US administration to raise levies up to 12.5% on imports from several countries linked to allegations of forced labor. The US' global tariff of 10% is set to expire in July.

"We're seeing cargo move for a combination of reasons, including inventory replenishment, concerns about fuel costs, trade-policy uncertainty and preparation for upcoming retail seasons," Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said.

"Companies are operating with shorter planning horizons and taking advantage of opportunities when they emerge."

In May 2025, a shift in tariff policies prompted cargo owners to temporarily pause shipments, leading to a decline in loaded imports, according to the Port of Los Angeles. As such, this year's May volume came in much higher on a year-over-year basis.

In June and July, volumes may further increase as it would take months for supply chains to normalize despite a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Seroka.

Descartes Systems, a supply chain technology provider, earlier reported that US container import volumes in May grew 6.6% from a month earlier to 2.4 million TEUs, due to seasonal growth. This also represents an 11.5% increase from year-ago levels.

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