America's leading West Coast ports reported uneven cargo volumes in October, reflecting shifting trade policies, high inventories and growing uncertainty as 2025 draws to a close, reports LA's Global Trade Magazine.

The Port of Los Angeles handled 848,431 TEU in October, which Executive Director Gene Seroka described as a solid performance given market volatility. With 8.65 million TEU moved in the first ten months, the port is two per cent ahead of last year and could reach 10 million TEU for only the third time in its history.

Mr Seroka cautioned that volumes in November and December may soften, noting last year's late-season surge has not repeated as inventories remain well-stocked. In October, loaded imports fell seven per cent, exports rose one per cent and empties declined eight per cent.

The Port of Long Beach reported a 14.9 per cent decline in October volumes compared with 2024, when it recorded its strongest month ever. The port processed 839,671 TEU, with imports down 17.6 per cent and exports down 11.5 per cent. Despite the drop, Long Beach remains 4.1 per cent ahead of last year on a year-to-date basis with more than 8.2 million TEU moved.

Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero warned that consumers may soon face higher costs as tariff pressures mount. He said manufacturers and retailers have absorbed some increases but that may change as 2026 approaches.

National data showed US imports at 2.31 million TEU in October, down 0.1 per cent from September and 7.5 per cent below October 2024. Year-to-date imports are just 0.9 per cent above last year, far below early-year growth of nearly 10 per cent.

China remained the largest source of US imports at 34.9 per cent, posting a 5.4 per cent monthly gain but still 16.3 per cent lower year-on-year. Analyst Jackson Wood said the figures highlight persistent geopolitical friction and regulatory volatility shaping trade decisions.

With the holiday season underway and what officials describe after the nation's longest government, port leaders said supply chain coordination remains strong but uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook.