[Stay on top of transportation news: .]
Ports Report Steady Volumes in February
Facilities Watch Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Key Takeaways:
- The Port of Los Angeles reported a 3% year-over-year increase in cargo volumes in February.
- Ports are keeping an eye on developments in the Middle East and changing trade policy.
- Port Houston is continuing to add berth and terminal capacity to meet anticipated future demand.
U.S. ports are navigating geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts, even as they report steady container volumes for February.
At the Port of Los Angeles, volumes rose modestly as shippers continued to adjust their timing around seasonal factory shutdowns and broader market risks.
“As we head into our traditional slack season, it will be followed by some replenishment of inventories, particularly spring and summer fashion goods,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said during a media briefing. “The Port of Los Angeles will be prepared with efficient operations, terminal capacity and the world’s best waterfront workforce.”
The facility processed 824,323 20-foot-equivalent units, a 3% increase from 801,398 units a year earlier, marking the second-busiest February in the port’s history.
Seroka stressed that while cargo flows remain intact, the broader operating environment has become more unpredictable.
In particular, he cautioned that steady volumes mask deeper uncertainty tied to global events. The Iran war and other supply chain disruptions are raising concerns, alongside President Donald Trump’s whipsaw tariff policies that have unsettled markets.
“There’s real uncertainty across the industry right now,” Seroka said. “Even so, manufacturing flows serving the United States continue to move, and we’re not seeing disruption to U.S.-bound cargo today.”
At the Port of Long Beach, a similar theme emerged: modest volume growth paired with heightened caution about external risks.
“Despite growing uncertainty fueled by the conflict in the Middle East, cargo continues to move fluidly, planned shipments are on schedule and the Port of Long Beach remains a safe harbor in the sea of trade and geopolitical uncertainty,” Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba said during a media briefing.
Container volume at the facility inched up 0.3% year over year to 767,525 from 765,385, with gains driven largely by exports, which rose 8.2%, while imports dipped 0.2%. Port officials emphasized that trade continues to move despite geopolitical and tariff-related headwinds.
Amid ongoing uncertainty over the impact of tariffs and conflict in the Middle East, reported solid cargo volumes in February. Dockworkers and terminal operators handled 767,525 TEUs last month, up 0.3% from February 2025. Find the full report here: — Port of Long Beach (@portoflongbeach)
Other ports reported sharper declines tied largely to seasonal factors rather than structural weakness.
“February’s volume was shaped in large part by seasonal vessel scheduling around Lunar New Year,” said Bryan Brandes, maritime director of the Port of Oakland. “Even with fewer vessel calls, Oakland’s export business remained comparatively resilient, reflecting the port’s continued role as a leader in refrigerated and agricultural cargo.”
The facility’s container volume fell 14.5% year over year to 163,255 from 190,937, reflecting reduced vessel calls around Lunar New Year. Remaining activity skewed heavily toward exports, particularly agricultural and refrigerated cargo.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, reported a 19.4% decline in combined volumes to 207,725 containers from 257,705 a year earlier. Officials noted that last year’s figures benefited from cargo being front-loaded ahead of anticipated tariffs, complicating year-over-year comparisons. The alliance also highlighted recent infrastructure investments aimed at supporting long-term trade flows, including expanded gate capacity and additional refrigerated container plugs.
On the East Coast and Gulf Coast, ports likewise pointed to mixed results shaped by timing and investment cycles. The South Carolina Ports Authority reported a 21.2% drop in container volumes to 177,811 from 225,532, while the Georgia Ports Authority said volumes declined 7.2% to 445,214 from 479,847. Both agencies released raw data without additional commentary.
Fresh from TMC, ATA President Chris Spear takes a candid look at what today’s fleet maintenance trends reveal about the broader state of trucking.Tune in above or by going to .
Port Houston is continuing a decadelong effort to add berth and terminal capacity to meet anticipated future demand.
“In February our Port Commission approved the start of construction of Wharf 1 at the Bayport Container Terminal,” said Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins. “This will add 1,300 linear feet of wharf space when it’s complete in 2028. We also recently completed Wharf 7 at Bayport, which is now open to vessels. Projects like these wharf additions increase our berth capacity significantly and allow us to handle more cargo than ever before.”
February container volumes at the facility were essentially flat year over year at 326,799 units.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey did not have its monthly numbers available by press time.
