POLA and POLB volumes remain strong in August

Following record volume months in July, August was another solid month, for the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and the Port of Long Beach (POLB), according to data respectively issued by the ports this week.

POLA reported that total volume, at 958,355 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), saw a 6% annual increase, following July’s 1,019,837 TEU, the highest-volume month in the port’s 117 years of operations, with volumes paced by the pulling-forward of goods being imported during the previous pause on the White House’s reciprocal tariffs.

Imports, at 504,514 TEU, were up less than 1% annually, following July’s 543,728 TEU reading, also the highest import number in POLA history. Exports, at 127,379 TEU, increased 5% over August 2024. And empty containers, at 326,462 TEU, were off 1% annually. POLA August volume was 6% above the port’s five-year running average. July and August volumes combined came in at nearly 2 million TEU, which POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said represents the best two-month stretch for any port in the Western Hemisphere.

Through the first eight months of 2025, total POLA volume, at 6,934,004 TEU, is up 4.5% annually. 

On a POLA-hosted media call, Seroka said that it is clear retailers and manufacturers have continued to bring goods in early, both to get ahead of the holiday demand and as a hedge against any shifts in trade regulation, 

Addressing exports, he said August marked the third straight month of growth, while imports outweigh American exports by roughly a 4:1 ratio. 

“2025 has been marked by volatility and trade flows and policy yet we've continued to move cargo with fluidity and efficiency,” he said. “These results underscore the resilience of our port and the confidence that shippers place in Los Angeles.”

As for the remainder of 2025, Seroka said that the highest Peak Season volumes have already occurred and estimated that September would come in at around 850,000 TEU, which would mark a 10% annual decline. 

“That's because much of the year-end holiday cargo has already arrived and is working its way through the national supply chain system,” he explained. “On top of that, economic signals like slowing job growth and lingering inflation are making both importers and consumers just a little more cautious. Most importers are now paying tariffs ranging anywhere from 15% to almost double what they were paying at the beginning of the year, depending on where products originate and what categories they land in. Large retailers were able to build some inventory levels in advance, but once those goods cycle through the inventory system, added costs will probably hit us as well. Smaller and mid-sized companies, meanwhile, didn't have that cushion. Many are dipping into cash reserves just to cover tariffs that they didn't budget or foresee. Even with these challenges, the Port of Los Angeles is well positioned to adapt. We have the capacity, the great labor force and operational strengths to handle volume shifts quickly. Our strong supply chain relationships also ensure that we'll keep cargo moving efficiently through America's busiest gateway.”

POLB data: The Port of Long Beach reported that August volume, at 901,846 TEU, was off 1.3% from its August 2024 record, while still posting its second-best volume August on record, as well as its sixth-busiest month in port history. Port officials said that volumes were paced by Peak Season activity, with retailers continuing to see the arrival of goods purchased during the most recent tariff pause.

Imports, at 440,318 TEU, fell 3.6% annually, and exports, at 95,960, were down 8.3%. Empty containers, at 365,567 TEU, increased 3.7%.

“Shifting trade policies continue to create uncertainty for businesses and consumers,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Our Supply Chain Information Highway digital tracker is projecting our peak shipping season to be on pace with last year as retailers start to stock their warehouses in preparation for the winter holidays.”

POLB said it has moved 6,592,708 TEU through the first eight months of 2025, up 8.3% annually.