"2026 may yield a little more stability," Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said. "I don't think there will be (as many tariff) announcements."

The Port of Los Angeles " LA " handled 848,431 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October 2025, a result the port described as a solid performance amid this year’s trade volatility. After 10 months, the port reported processing 8,655,489 TEUs, 2% more than in the same period of 2024.  

The third time in our history 

Executive Director Gene Seroka told a media briefing on 18 November that “with six weeks to go, we are within reach of the 10 million container unit-mark for the year.” He said that if the port reaches that level, “it would be the third time in our history and something no other Western Hemisphere port has achieved even once.

Related : Los Angeles, Long Beach ports partnering for zero-emissions future

According to Seroka, “that kind of performance is powered by the skill and dedication of our waterfront workforce along with the terminal operators who keep this port running safely and efficiently every day.”  

A detailed statistical table for October 2025 

A detailed statistical table for October 2025 shows loaded imports at 429,279.75 TEUs, down from 462,740.25 TEUs in October 2024, a decline of 33,457.50 TEUs or 7.23%. Loaded exports totaled 123,764.25 TEUs versus 122,715.75 TEUs a year earlier, an increase of 1,052.50 TEUs and a 0.86% rise. Total loaded volume came to 553,044.00 TEUs, compared with 585,456.00 TEUs in October 2024, a drop of 32,405.00 TEUs or 5.54%.  Empty container moves in October 2025 reached 295,380.25 units, down from 319,569.75 units a year earlier, a decline of 24,189.50 units or 7.57%. Overall container throughput for the month, including loaded and empty boxes, was 848,424.25 TEUs versus 905,025.75 TEUs in October 2024, a decrease of 56,594.50 TEUs or 6.25%.

Predicting possible impacts of tariffs

In 2024, shippers were sending in large amounts of cargo ahead of schedule as a hedge against tariffs, causing warehouse inventories to fill up well before the fall and holiday periods.

Seroka’s guest this month, Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, said there remains an “uncertainty that all employers and businesses are feeling” as 2025 comes to a close. Some are able to pivot  predicting possible impacts of tariffs and making forecasts, she said.

The Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles LA is a seaport in San Pedro Bay and operates as the Los Angeles Harbor Department, a self-supporting department of the City of Los Angeles. It occupies thousands of acres of land and water and is governed by a Board of Harbor Commissioners appointed by the city’s mayor and confirmed by the city council. 

Press - Releases 

The Port of Los Angeles ( LA ) , Jennifer Barrera ,10 million-container , A detailed statistical table  ,Gene Seroka