Despite concerns regarding tariffs and federal trade policies, Port of Los Angeles officials said Monday they recorded the second-best April with strong import demand.
In April, the port processed 890,661 twenty-foot equivalent units, representing a 5.7% increase compared to the same month in 2025. Through the first four months of 2026, the port has handled approximately 3.3 million TEUs, an increase of 2% of its five-year average but a 2% decrease compared to last year’s pace driven by significant front-loading of cargo.
“April was our strongest month this year and the highest cargo volume we’ve seen since last August, a clear sign that the American consumer remains resilient,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said during an online media briefing. “Retailers and manufacturers are continuing to move goods despite uncertainty, and based on what we’re seeing in Asia, the next wave of imports — from back-to-school to early holiday merchandise — is already beginning to build.”
Loaded imports for April totaled 459,825 TEUs, an increase of 5% compared to last year and 21% higher than March. Loaded exports came in at 127,726 TEUs, which was 0.5% lower than last year.
Empty cargo units landed at 303,310 TEUs, an increase of 10% compared to last year.
Seroka noted that cargo continues to move efficiently with no back-ups or delays.
“That kind of fluidity and consistency speaks to the strength of this port — and the teamwork behind it,” Seroka said. “Our longshore workforce, terminal operators, trucking companies and rail partners are keeping the Port of Los Angeles operating at a high level.”
Katherine Tai, who served as U.S. Trade Representative at the cabinet level, joined Seroka to discuss the current trade policy landscape such as tariffs, global supply chain dynamics and the outlook for U.S. trade policy.