Los Angeles, Oct. 2025 — The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) chalked up its strongest third quarter ever—processing roughly 2.9 million TEUs—even though September volumes dipped to 883,053 TEUs, a 7.5 % drop from the same month last year.
POLA’s official release shows September loaded imports declined to 460,044 TEUs (–7.6 % YoY), while loaded exports held steady at 114,693 TEUs. Empty container movements also fell sharply, down about 10 % to 308,317 units. Over the first three quarters of 2025, the port has handled 7,817,057 TEUs—about 3 % more than in the same period of 2024.
Record Q3 Driven by Peak-Season Surge
While September softened, the earlier months in Q3 (July–August) saw elevated throughput—likely a result of importers accelerating shipments to beat tariff changes and policy shifts. July, in particular, set monthly volume records, with POLA reporting more than 1,019,000 TEUs handled in one month.
That front-loading strategy cushioned the September dip and helped the port deliver its top quarterly performance on record.
Widening Imbalance: Imports vs Exports
A persistent import-export disparity continues to define POLA’s cargo mix. In September, imports outpaced exports by roughly 4 to 1. The relatively flat export numbers suggest exporters aren’t carrying the same momentum as inbound goods.
This imbalance—with heavy reliance on imports—is more exposed when import demand softens, as seen in September’s drop.
Trade Policy and Volatility Loom
Port leadership is sounding alarms over the influence of shifting trade policy. As Executive Director Gene Seroka warned, “the supply chain has been on a roller coaster all year and that ride continues.”
Importers appear extra cautious. Data from Descartes show that China-origin shipments to U.S. ports fell by nearly 22.9 % year-over-year in September. Retailers and manufacturers have, in many cases, already moved holiday season inventory ahead of tariff escalations—a trend that could undercut remaining seasonal flows.
Looking to Q4: Soft Landing Likely
Given how much peak-season cargo was pulled forward, and trade policy uncertainty still in play, Q4 faces a difficult comparability. Volume contraction may continue as the load of shipments dissipates and importers pause new freight orders.
If past patterns hold, October and November could see mid- to high-single digit declines, unless a favorable policy shift or unexpected demand revival occurs.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
