The Port of Long Beach reported its second-busiest January on record. (Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press)
March 4, 2026 1:48 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Major U.S. ports saw a slower but steady January as front-loaded 2025 cargo, tariff uncertainty and uneven inventory drawdowns softened volumes after last year’s surge.
- West Coast gateways generally posted year-over-year declines while ports in Oakland, Georgia and Houston reported gains driven by stronger imports and petrochemical exports.
- Port leaders said tariff-related uncertainty and cautious restocking will continue to shape forecasts as shippers await clarity on trade policy and potential tariff refunds.
U.S. ports experienced a slow but stable start to the year in January after coming off a particularly busy 2025.
A combination of front-loaded cargo late last year, shifting tariff expectations and uneven inventory drawdowns shaped the softer start. While volumes varied by region, most gateways reported predictable cooling after last year’s tariff‑driven surge.
Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles reported processing 812,000 20-foot equivalent units, a 12% decline from the 924,245 moved at the start of 2025. This comes after a strong year for the port, its third busiest on record, though momentum slowed toward the end.
“There are several factors at play,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said during a media briefing. “First, we’re comparing January to 2025 elevated numbers when importers were scrambling to get cargo in ahead of tariffs. Second, inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace.”
Seroka said uncertainty around trade policy and consumer demand trends continue to influence forecasts, but purchase orders headed to Asia have held steady heading into spring.
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach reported its second-busiest January on record, with container volume down 11% to 847,765 from 952,733. The decline follows a record-setting year for the port driven by uncertainty and tariff threats.
“No matter what happens with cargo volume, the Port of Long Beach has the capacity, infrastructure and workforce to move goods quickly, efficiently and reliably,” Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba said during the first of his monthly supply chain insight media briefings.
President Donald Trump has heavily leveraged tariffs in his effort to rework international trade. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled 6-3 against his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, determining that one of his major avenues to pursue them violated the law. Hacegaba anticipates continued market uncertainty after the decision.
“While this decision ruled on the legality of the IEEPA tariffs, it did little to remove the uncertainty we’ve seen — and continue to see — across the global supply chain,” Hacegaba said. “Our customers are seeking clarity on whether tariffs already paid will be refunded, and consumers are seeking relief from higher prices.”
Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland reported that container volume increased 1.4% year over year to 195,897 from 193,175. The port said the results signaled a stable start to the year that was primarily supported by stronger import activity following the holiday shipping season.
“Oakland continues to deliver the reliability and efficiency that importers and exporters depend on as supply chains adjust to changing market conditions, including maintaining cargo flows during severe winter weather, supported by increased rail volumes overall, including through inland hubs such as Fernley,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes.
Northwest Seaport Alliance
The Northwest Seaport Alliance noted that combined volumes between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., decreased 13.9% to 228,166 containers from 264,869. The alliance echoed that shippers front-loaded cargo ahead of expected tariffs during the year-ago period.
Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia Ports Authority said container volume increased 9.1% year over year to 456,160 from 418,222. The port had only released the raw numbers for the month without commentary by press time.
South Carolina Ports Authority
Likewise, South Carolina Ports Authority released raw data that showed volume decreased 4.9% to 191,991 containers from 201,842 in 2025.
Port Houston
Port Houston reported that container volume increased 4% year over year to 370,034 from 356,407. This marked the biggest January for container volume on record. The increase was driven by gains in both loaded imports and loaded exports moving through the Houston Ship Channel. The port highlighted that export growth continued to be led by petrochemical products and resins.
“We’re seeing solid demand across both of our public container terminals and a wide range of cargo moving through the Houston gateway,” Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins said. “That demand is showing up across our operations, including a record single-day total of 16,438 truck transactions at our container terminals in January.”
The port said vessel traffic in the channel also increased, with arrivals up 2% for the month.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey did not have monthly numbers available at press time.
