Port of Los Angeles 2025 trade volume hits 3rd highest ever despite Trump tariffs

The massive wave of protectionism hasn't managed to sink the premier U.S. gateway. Despite Donald Trump's aggressive tariff regime upending global markets, the Port of Los Angeles recorded its third-strongest year on record in 2025. This surge suggests that the U.S. economy's hunger for goods remains resilient, even as the origin of those goods shifts away from traditional giants.

Port of Los Angeles 2025 trade volume grows as China's share dips

According to Nikkei, Executive Director Eugene Seroka confirmed that while overall traffic is up, China's slice of the import pie at the port has dropped to approximately 40%. It's a significant decline that underscores a rapid restructuring of global supply chains.

Traffic from Southeast Asia and elsewhere is filling the void. For instance, even with a 50% tariff regime in place, Indian exports to the U.S. fell by a mere 1%, showcasing the adaptability of emerging markets in the face of U.S. trade pressure.

The shifting map of American imports

The data reveals a stark contrast among Asian trade partners. While Japan's exports to the U.S. dropped in 2025 for the first time in five years, others are finding new ways in. Taiwan is leveraging new tariff deals to open supply chain doors, ensuring the Port of Los Angeles remains the primary heartbeat of Trans-Pacific trade.