Port of Los Angeles volumes down 12% in November

November cargo volumes at the Port of Los Angeles were down by 12% but total volumes for 2025 are projected at 10 million TEUs, according to Executive Director Eugene Seroka.

Seroka spoke at a December 16^th media briefing in which he warned: “We're also seeing the effects of retaliatory tariffs and third country trade deals on US Ag and manufacturing exports. This is a headwind we may face for some time to come.”

Highlights of November 2025 Data

Seroka provided the following report based on November 2025 data:

• The Port of Los Angeles processed 782,000 container units in November: “That's down about 12% from last year. But as they say in real estate, it's all about the comps. In the run up to the 2024 election, many importers increased their orders ahead of anticipated tariffs from the new administration. That surge created a high baseline that lasted throughout the traditional peak season. Once you adjust for that early front loading and compare this November to our running five-year average, we're basically right on track.”
• Imports for November were down 11%: “On the import side, we moved 406,000 container units, an 11% dip year over year. Again, much of that difference is tied to last year's rush to build inventories. Now, with some warehouse levels still elevated, importers are pacing their orders a bit more carefully.”
• Exports were down 8%: “Shifting over to exports, we handled 114,000 TEUs, about 8% below last year. Exports out of LA have now been down in seven of the last 11 months. And for the first time since 2021, we're on track for a year-over- year decline in outbound goods.”
• The effect of retaliatory tariffs: “We're also seeing the effects of retaliatory tariffs and third country trade deals on U.S. Ag and manufacturing exports. This is a headwind we may face for some time to come.”
• Agricultural exporters have been harmed: “Exporters are hurting. The American farmer has been harmed irreparably, as evidenced now by this conversation about a relief package. We have not seen a pickup of soybeans that have been in the news for the last … several months or other important agricultural products like in the Central Valley of California or the Red River Valley of North Dakota. So, there's still much more work to do. And if exports can edge up, that's a positive impact to GDP.”
• Empties were down 13%: “As for empties, we processed 262,000 units in November, also down about 13% from last year. That lines up with both softer import flows and the steady repositioning of boxes all year back to Asia.”
• Total volumes for the first eleven months of 2025 are up 1% over 2024: “So with 11 months in the books, the Port of Los Angeles has already moved almost 9.5 million container units, 1% more than last year.”

The Port expects to process over 10 million TEUs in 2025: “Even with all the trade uncertainty, we'll finish 2025 north of 10 million TEUs, putting this year firmly in our top three of all time.”

Container Ship Fire

Seroka addressed the container ship fire that broke out on November 21^st:

“I would like to address the cargo vessel fire that occurred here at the Port on Friday, November 21st. Most importantly, there were no fatalities and no injuries. I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who ensured the ship's 23 crew members, our waterfront workers and community resources remained safe throughout the incident. The fire broke out aboard the Ocean Network Express Henry Hudson while it was working export cargo at Yusen Terminals. Within minutes, more than 200 first responders were on the scene. A unified command was quickly established with our partners at the United States Coast Guard, Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

With community safety as the top priority, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, leadership from the LAFD (Los Angeles Fire Department), U.S. Coast Guard and our LA Port Police made the decision to move the vessel to anchorage, just beyond the Port complex.

Brave ILWU linesmen untied the vessel under difficult conditions. Our port pilots and tug operators executed the transit seamlessly.

Three and a half days later, the fire was fully contained and shortly thereafter the vessel returned to port where teams have been working to safely remove the effective cargo and water used to fight the blaze. Throughout the response, air and water quality readings stayed within normal ranges at all times and remarkably, all Port of Los Angeles marine terminals were fully operational the next morning and remained open throughout the incident.”