June throughput hits an all-time high of over 1 million TEU as retailers stockpile early, with July imports forecast to break records again
The increase in container throughput at Los Angeles and Long Beach in June reflects the trend of US businesses proactively adjusting their import plans, bringing goods in earlier before new tariff policies may be implemented.
According to information from the Port of Los Angeles, in June, the port handled 1,002,734 TEU, becoming the highest June throughput in the port’s 118-year history. This is also the third time the port’s monthly throughput has exceeded 1 million TEU. According to the Port of Los Angeles, no port in the Western Hemisphere has ever handled more than 1 million TEU in a single month.
Compared to the same period last year, total container throughput increased by 12%. Cumulatively from the beginning of the year, the Port of Los Angeles has handled 5.12 million TEU, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Of which:
- Imports reached 530,558 TEU, a 13% increase and the third highest import month in the port’s history.
- Exports reached 126,365 TEU, virtually unchanged.
- Empty containers returned to Asia at 345,811 TEU, a 17% increase, as shipping lines redirected empty containers to meet transport demand.
Mr. Gene Seroka, CEO of the Port of Los Angeles, said that many importers are abandoning the traditional seasonal shipping model and choosing to bring goods in whenever trade conditions are favorable. He noted that retailers are proactively accelerating their import plans instead of waiting until peak periods as before.
Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach also maintained its growth momentum, with 779,331 TEU in June, a 10.6% increase year-on-year and the third highest June volume in the port’s history.
Specifically:
- Imports reached 387,025 TEU, up 11%.
- Exports reached 86,446 TEU, down 1.3%.
- Empty containers reached 305,860 TEU, up 14.1%.
Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach reached 4.83 million TEU, up 1.7%, maintaining a level comparable to the previous record-breaking year.
Mr. Noel Hacegaba, General Manager of the Port of Long Beach, said the growth reflects the trend of retail businesses pushing their imports ahead of expected trade policy changes taking effect later this summer. Businesses are preparing for market fluctuations while simultaneously replenishing their inventory to maintain the lowest possible selling prices.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates both forecast that US container imports in July will continue to set records, reaching 2.47 million TEU.
According to the NRF, the peak import season at the end of the year has shifted earlier in recent years, as businesses adjust their purchasing plans based on factors such as labor disruptions, geopolitical risks, and changes in US trade policy, rather than following the traditional retail cycle. Jonathan Gold, Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the NRF, said businesses also face uncertainties related to the conflict in Iran as well as the possibility of the US imposing additional tariffs.
According to the plan, the temporary 10% additional tariff under Section 122 of the US trade law will expire on July 24th, while the Trump administration is reportedly planning to impose another round of tariffs related to forced labor as early as August.
Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, predicts that import volumes are likely to remain high in July before declining again in the final months of the year.
Despite the sharp increase in imports, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach reported smooth operations. Neither port has recorded any ship congestion or delays in cargo handling, despite a significant increase in container volume recently.
