August 18, 2025
In July 2025, the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest port in the United States, set a new all-time record for container throughput in its 117-year history. Driven by concerns over tariff increases, importers rushed to ship goods earlier than usual, resulting in a surge of cargo volumes across major U.S. gateways.
Los Angeles Port: Historic Milestone in July
According to official data, the Port of Los Angeles handled over 1 million TEUs in July 2025, marking the highest monthly volume ever recorded. Loaded imports reached 544,000 TEUs, an 8% year-on-year increase, while loaded exports rose by 6% to 121,000 TEUs. Empty containers also grew by 10% to 354,000 TEUs.
Executive Director explained that importers have been “front-loading” shipments for several months to avoid potential tariff hikes. Despite the heavy congestion, operations remained efficient thanks to port workers, rail operators, truck drivers, and supply chain partners.
Long Beach Port Also Surges
Neighboring Port of Long Beach also experienced one of its busiest months in history. In July, the port processed 944,000 TEUs, a 7% increase compared to July 2024, ranking as the third-busiest month in its 114-year history.
U.S. Container Imports Reach Near-Record
According to Descartes data, U.S. container imports in July 2025 climbed to 2,621,910 TEUs, the second-highest monthly total on record, only 555 containers short of the May 2022 peak. This represents an 18.2% month-over-month increase, signaling a major shift in global shipping flows.
China’s Role in the Import Surge
China played a crucial role in this shipping boom. Imports from China jumped 44.4% month-over-month, reaching 923,000 TEUs. This surge boosted China’s share of total U.S. imports from 28.8% in June to 35.2% in July.
Outlook for the Rest of 2025
The dramatic increase in throughput is largely the result of importers’ “ship early” strategy to avoid future tariffs. However, industry experts warn that such front-loading may cause a slowdown in the remaining months of 2025, raising concerns about supply chain stability and long-term demand.
