Los Angeles Port is expected to see some increase in bookings, rather than surge
Imports in May reflect the previous 145% tariff, affecting port volumes
Walmart raises prices, reduces orders due to tariff costs
LOS ANGELES – The head of the busiest U.S. ports in the United States will not expect imports to soar after the tariff armistice between Washington and Beijing, which temporarily reduces responsibility from 145% to 30%.
“You don’t see cargo flooding in the ports in Los Angeles,” Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, said in a briefing Monday.
“What we’re going to see is an increase in bookings in Asia,” Seroka said of the cargo ship heading to the port.
He said the rise could be linked to the importer who produced goods before the U.S. imposed a 145% tariff last month, rather than a new order that might not be ready when the 90-day probation was closed.
The 31% U.S. sea trade in the adjacent ports of the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach is a barometer of U.S. economic activity. They handle everything from incoming toys, clothing and car parts to outgoing raw cotton and pets and animal feed.
The upcoming number increased sharply under bookings after the U.S. imposed 145% import tariffs on China’s 145% import tariffs (its largest maritime trading partner) on April 9.
This effect takes several weeks to appear at U.S. ports, so imports may reflect an upgrade to 145% tariff.
According to the Southern California Marine Exchange, 74 containers arrived at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the first 15 days of the month, 11 fewer than usual.
“When we close books this month, the number drop in May could be very large,” Seroka said.
Long Beach Port CEO Mario Cordero said Thursday he expects imports to exceed 10% in May.
Consumers drive retail demand, accounting for nearly half of container shipping.
US consumers will see prices rising as importers pass additional tariff costs.
Walmart, the country’s largest retailer and the largest user of container shipping, said it will increase prices starting at the end of May and will order orders for merchandise shoppers, which will not pay more.
This article was generated from the Automation News Agency feed without the text being modified.
