Port of Los Angeles Reports Major Cargo Growth in Early 2025

The Port of Los Angeles started 2025 with strong momentum, reporting a notable rise in cargo traffic during the month of January. According to recently released data, the port moved a total of 924,245 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), representing an impressive 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This surge highlights the port’s ongoing resilience and critical role in supporting both national and global supply chains.

A significant portion of the growth came from a 9.5% jump in loaded imports, reaching a total of 483,831 TEUs. This increase suggests a strengthening in consumer demand and business inventories early in the year, despite broader economic uncertainties. Officials at the Port of Los Angeles noted that the steady flow of goods reflects renewed confidence from retailers and manufacturers as they restock inventories post-holiday season.

On the export side, however, the figures were less optimistic. Loaded exports decreased by 10.5%, totaling 113,271 TEUs. Port representatives attributed the drop in exports largely to shifting international trade patterns, foreign market challenges, and the ongoing impacts of new tariffs affecting outbound shipments to certain regions.

In addition to imports and exports, the port handled a sizable volume of empty containers, which grew by 14% year-over-year to 327,143 TEUs. Empty containers are a key indicator of port activity, reflecting the repositioning of equipment needed to balance trade flows across the Pacific and beyond.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, emphasized that these results show both the opportunities and challenges facing the port. “The robust import numbers are encouraging, but we remain closely focused on the evolving dynamics of the global economy and trade policy shifts,” Seroka said. “We are committed to adapting quickly and working with our stakeholders to keep cargo moving efficiently through our gateway.”

Moving forward, the Port of Los Angeles continues to invest heavily in infrastructure improvements and operational innovations. Projects aimed at upgrading terminals, modernizing technology systems, and expanding rail capacity are already underway, positioning the port to accommodate further growth in cargo volumes throughout the rest of the year.

Despite some uncertainty related to global economic conditions, port leadership remains optimistic about maintaining strong throughput in the coming months. Strategic partnerships with ocean carriers, beneficial cargo owners, and logistics providers are expected to help sustain positive momentum.

In 2024, the Port of Los Angeles handled over 9 million TEUs, maintaining its status as the busiest container port in North America. If January’s pace continues, 2025 could shape up to be another record-setting year for the vital Southern California trade hub.