The nation’s top West Coast ports reported uneven cargo volumes in October, reflecting shifting trade policies, high inventories, and growing uncertainty heading into the close of 2025.

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The Port of Los Angeles handled 848,431 TEUs in October—what Executive Director Gene Seroka called “a solid performance” given this year’s volatility. With 8.65 million TEUs moved through the first ten months, Los Angeles remains 2% ahead of last year and is within range of reaching 10 million TEUs for only the third time in its history.

Still, Seroka warned that volumes in November and December will likely soften. Last year’s late-season surge—driven by importers racing to get ahead of potential tariffs—has not repeated, as retail and manufacturing inventories are already well-stocked. In October, LA’s loaded imports fell 7%, exports rose 1%, and empties declined 8%.

Next door, the Port of Long Beach reported a 14.9% decline in October volumes compared to 2024, when it recorded the strongest month in its 114-year history. The port processed 839,671 TEUs, with imports down 17.6% and exports down 11.5%. Despite the dip, Long Beach remains 4.1% ahead of last year on a year-to-date basis, with more than 8.2 million TEUs moved.

Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero warned that consumers may soon feel the impact of rising tariff costs: “Manufacturers and retailers have absorbed some of the increases, but that may change as we approach 2026. Consumers will likely see price escalation in the coming months.”

National data echoes the caution. Descartes Systems Group reported 2.31 million TEUs of U.S. imports in October—down 0.1% from September and 7.5% below October 2024. Year-to-date imports are now just 0.9% above 2024 levels, far below the nearly 10% growth seen at the start of the year.

China remained the largest source of U.S. imports at 34.9%, posting a 5.4% monthly gain, though still 16.3% lower year-over-year. Descartes’ Jackson Wood said October’s numbers highlight the “persistent geopolitical friction and regulatory volatility” shaping import decisions.

With the holiday season underway and what officials describe as the nation’s longest government shutdown still in effect, port leaders say supply chain coordination remains strong—but uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook.