POLA and POLB volumes see October declines

October volumes were down at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and the Port of Long Beach (POLB), according to data recently respectively issued by the ports.

POLA reported that October volume, at 848,431 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), fell 6.25% annually, following a 7.5% September decline, to 883,053 TEU. POLA imports, at 429,283 TEU, decreased 7.0% annually, and exports, at 123,768 TEU, were up 1% annually. And empty containers, at 295,380 TEU, saw an 8% annual decline.

POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said on a media call today that October was an overall steady month, with volume 1% above the port’s five-year running average for October.

“That is a solid performance, especially given the volatility we have seen across global trade this year,” he said. “Imports were down, but right in line with our five-year trend. This tells us consumer demand held steady, even as retailers and manufacturers moderate orders heading into the end of the year.

Through the first 10 months of 2025, total POLA volume is up 2% annually, to 8,655,489 TEU, with Seroka observing this puts the port in strong position heading into the final stretch of 2025.

But he cautioned that from now until the end of the year, POLA expects a seasonal slowdown in the 10%-to-15% range compared to the same period in 2024.

“There's a reason for that dip,” he said. “Last year's numbers were unusually high as many shippers pulled cargo forward right after the election in anticipation of tariffs and changes in trade policy. Also, this year, retail and manufacturing inventories were already well-stocked, so there's simply less need for immediate replenishment combined. These factors suggest a more typical softening to close out the year. Even so, I'm projecting POLA will surpass 10 million container units for the year. When we reach that milestone, it would be the third time in our history something no other port in the western hemisphere has achieved. Even once, that kind of performance doesn't happen on its own. It's powered by the skill and dedication of our waterfront workforce, along with the terminal operators and business partners who keep this port running safely and efficiently every day, together, we're keeping world trade moving and doing it even better than ever.”

As for how volumes could look in 2026, Seroka told LM that there is currently not enough information yet available to provide a projection for 2026, but did not that with some of the framework trade deals in place, more stability is expected.

“We've seen more than 110 announcements on trade policy and tariffs emanate from Washington,” he said. “And it was a year where high tariffs and hard policy went in, cargo really came to a halt in many areas, especially China. And then when that policy was loosened and deadlines extended, importers saw windows that they could get cargo in much quicker coming through this Southern California gateway to take advantage of that reprieve at any given moment in time. What 2026 may yield is a little bit more stability, because we've gone through some of these framework deals and a big year-long extension on the China discussions. I don't think there'll be that same number of announcements that we looked at every single month of 2025, giving importers and exporters alike some clearer projections on their prices and quantities that they may not have had this year.”

POLB data: The Port of Long Beach reported that October volume, at 839,671 TEU, fell 14.9% annually, compared to October 2024, the port’s strongest month on record in its 114 years of operations.

Imports were down 17.6%, to 401,915 TEU, and exports, at 99,817 TEU, dropped 11.5% annually. Empty containers, at 337,940 TEU, saw a 12.6% annual decline.

Through the first 10 months of 2025, POLB volume is up 4.1% annually, at 8,229,916 TEU.