Los Angeles, California — The bustling Port of Los Angeles, the largest port in the Western Hemisphere, is facing a steep decline in cargo volume due to recent tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. This downturn is having a ripple effect, impacting dock workers and businesses reliant on the port’s activity.
Each weekday morning, dock workers gather outside the dispatch office of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13, seeking assignments at the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. But on Tuesday, many returned home without work. Longshore worker Charlie Camacho, whose family has a rich history in port operations, expressed concern about the significant decrease in cargo containers. “When there’s less volume, there’s less work for us,” he remarked, underscoring the emotional strain felt by workers amid this economic contraction.
The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle a substantial portion of the nation’s cargo—31% of shipping containers entering or leaving the U.S. in 2024. However, officials report a staggering 35% drop in cargo volume compared to the same week last year, raising alarms about the broader implications for various sectors, including trucking and distribution services.
Local businesses are also feeling the impact. Independent merchant Frank Groves, who supplies gloves and safety gear to dockworkers, noted a nearly 75% decline in sales due to the cargo decrease. “If they aren’t working, I don’t make any money,” he said, illustrating the harsh reality of interconnected supply chains.
Rob Walpole, CEO of Customs Goods, a shipping management company, echoed these sentiments, confirming a substantial reduction in import shipping volumes and its negative repercussions on his operations. “The situation is not good,” said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. He indicated that the economic effects extend far beyond the immediate vicinity, affecting job markets throughout the region.
Experts emphasize that the port serves as a crucial artery for goods distributed nationwide, including essential supplies like food and medical items. “The cargo that moves through this port reaches not only all 50 states,” Seroka explained, highlighting the dependency of many industries on the ports’ operations.
Concerns escalate over potential shortages and rising prices in the coming weeks, once existing inventory runs low. Sal Di Constanzo, a labor relations representative for the ILWU, pointed out that consumer goods, ranging from apparel to electronics, are also at risk. He warned that shoppers may experience reduced product availability as the effects of the tariffs deepen.
With uncertainty looming, industry experts suggest that even if tariffs are removed, the interruptions might have long-lasting consequences. Diane Middleton, a former commissioner with over 50 years at the ports, explained that rebuilding shipping operations cannot be accomplished overnight. “You don’t just have ships lined up like taxi cabs,” she pointed out, highlighting the complexities of global trade logistics.
As trade dynamics shift, concerns grow that established patterns may evolve, with countries exploring alternative markets that pose less political risk. Affected workers and businesses are left grappling with the immediate fallout while pondering the long-term implications of these economic changes.