The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach posted record container volumes this summer as retailers rushed to import goods ahead of potential tariff hikes, reports Ventura, California's gCaptain.

The Port of Los Angeles moved 958,355 TEU in August, nearly matching last year's figures. Combined July and August throughput reached nearly two million containers, marking the strongest two-month performance of any Western Hemisphere port, according to executive director Gene Seroka.

July was the busiest month in the port's 117-year history, surpassing one million TEU. August imports dipped one per cent year-on-year to 504,514 TEU, while exports rose five per cent to 127,379 TEU. Empties fell one per cent to 326,462 units.

Year-to-date, Los Angeles has handled 6.93 million TEU, up 4.5 per cent from 2024. Long Beach processed 901,846 TEU in August, its second-busiest August ever, and has moved 6.59 million TEU so far in 2025, an 8.3 per cent increase.

Mr Seroka expects volumes to ease through year-end due to early holiday shipments and economic caution. Retailers accelerated imports during a pause in tariffs, with former President Trump delaying the next China tariff hike to November 10.

A federal court ruling has challenged tariff powers, though duties remain pending Supreme Court review. Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said trade uncertainty continues to affect supply chains, with digital tracking showing peak season volumes on par with last year.

Forecasts from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates predict declining volumes: September down 6.8 per cent, October down 13.2 per cent, and December down 20.1 per cent. Hackett warned of a weak trade outlook, while NRF's Jonathan Gold said tariff uncertainty is hindering long-term planning and raising consumer costs.