Overview

• The Port of Los Angeles handled a record 892,340 TEUs in June, marking an 8% year-over-year increase and its busiest June on record.
• Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the surge to a “tariff whipsaw effect” as importers raced to beat shifting deadlines.
• President Trump extended the reciprocal tariff pause to August 1, prompting companies to front-load consumer and holiday goods.
• Some firms are shifting production to Vietnam to mitigate China tariffs, though they still rely on Chinese machinery, molds and raw materials.
• The National Retail Federation forecasts double-digit declines in U.S. port volumes from August through November once higher duties resume.