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Uncertainty is mounting across global supply chains due to President Donald Trump’s changing tariff policies and the conflict in the Middle East, port Executive Director Gene Seroka said.

A combination of front-loaded cargo late last year, shifting tariff expectations and uneven inventory drawdowns shaped the softer start for U.S. ports in 2026.

The Supreme Court’s decision on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may drive up cargo volume, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Eugene Seroka said.

Total container traffic through the Port of Los Angeles dropped 12% in January as exports and imports weakened from a year earlier, when shippers rushed to move freight in anticipation of tariffs.

U.S. port activity experienced a December slowdown, closing out what began as an especially busy year. The Port of Los Angeles — the nation's busiest — saw volume decline 14% from 2024.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka outlined his vision for a future port, built to be bigger and smarter, during his annual state of the port address.

U.S. port container volumes fell in November, but major gateways including Los Angeles and Long Beach remain on track for one of their strongest years on record.

The Port of Los Angeles expects it will move more than 10 million container units for the second year in a row, but that number is likely to drop off in 2026 as the administration's trade war persists.

Port of Los Angeles is bidding to reach the 10 million-container mark for the third time in its history, according to Executive Director Gene Seroka. 

"September’s tonnage level was essentially the same as in September 2023, underscoring the tough freight market over the last few years,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.