The Port of Los Angeles recorded its busiest June in history, driven by a spike in ocean freight as importers rushed to avoid upcoming tariffs on Chinese goods, according to CNBC. Port officials described the increase as a “tariff whipsaw effect” caused by shifting trade deadlines under President Trump’s policies. Containers were largely filled with holiday and consumer goods, following Trump’s tariff cut on Chinese imports. Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka said shifting tariff timelines are causing unstable freight volumes and increased uncertainty. He expects cargo volume to decline starting in August due to new tariffs, citing forecasts of a double-digit drop through November. Freight firms report that retailers are now limiting imports to essentials, such as school supplies, citing longer transit times and costlier air freight for last-minute needs.
