September POLA and POLB volumes see annual declines

September volumes headed down, for both the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and the Port of Long Beach (POLB), according to data recently released by the ports.

POLA reported that total volume, at 883,053 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), fell 7.5% annually, following August’s 958,355 (TEU) and 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.

POLA imports, at 460,044 TEU, decreased 7.6% annually, trailing August’s 504,514 TEU, and July’s 543,278 TEU, the highest import number in POLA history. Exports, at 114,693 TEU, were essentially flat annually. And empty containers, at 308,317 TEU, saw a 10% annual decline.

Total POLA third quarter volume, at 2.9 million TEU, represents the highest-volume month quarter in POLA history, topping the third quarter 2024, and on a year-to-date basis through September, total volume, at 7,817,057 TEU, is up 3% annually.

“Imports continue to outweigh exports by a 4:1 ratio,” said POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka on a POLA-hosted call. “This data reflects the real impact that ongoing trade negotiations are having on our agriculture sector. The 10% decline in empties is yet another signal that imports will be softening. Amid all of the uncertainty and the roller coaster of the last six months, what has remained constant is the dedication and efficiency of our incomparable waterfront workforce and logistics partners. Every record set and bar raised is a direct result of their amazing efforts. I'm incredibly proud of the work we do here to keep this economic engine running each and every day.”

Looking at the fourth quarter, with Peak Season activity already represented in the port’s volume data, Seroka said he expects to see POLA cargo volume decline over the last three months of 2025, adding that ongoing turbulent negotiations China, the nation’s largest trading partner, could intensify that decline, with the caveat that it remains to be seen.

“There's been a lot of trade talk over the last few days, but so far, it hasn't translated into set policy just yet,” he said. “For our part, we'll continue to maintain open lines of communication with our colleagues and partners across the global supply chain, and just as we always have, America's port will remain adaptable and ready for whatever comes our way.”

POLB data: The Port of Long Beach reported that total September volume, at 797,537 TEU, was off 3.9% annually.

Imports, at 388,084 TEU, were down 6.9% annually, and exports, at 85,081, dropped 3.6, with empty containers, up 161 containers, to 324,372 TEU.

Through the first nine months of 2025, POLB reported that total volume, at 7,390,245 TEU, is up 6.8% annually, and the third quarter marked its second-highest quarter in port history, at 2,643,614 TEU.

“Tariffs are impacting how consumers and business owners make financial decisions and purchases,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Our Supply Chain Information Highway digital cargo tracker is forecasting a relatively stable October, followed by a slight decline in November due to anticipated weather-related delays and vessel scheduling changes.”