The Port of Los Angeles achieved a historic milestone in June 2026, handling 1,002,734 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking the busiest June in the port’s 118-year history. Import volumes surged by 13% year-on-year, reflecting a strategic push by retailers to frontload cargo in anticipation of potential tariffs.
Trends in Trade
June 2026 saw the Port of Los Angeles surpass the 1 million TEU mark for the third time, with imports accounting for a significant 530,558 TEUs and exports remaining relatively stable at 126,365 TEUs. The volume of empty containers returned to Asia increased by 17% to 345,811 TEUs, indicating shipping lines’ proactive repositioning of assets to meet ongoing demand.
Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, highlighted the departure of importers from traditional shipping schedules, stating, “Many retailers are making strategic decisions and have stepped away from traditional seasonal shipping patterns.” This shift signifies an adaptation to unpredictable trade conditions, with many businesses electing to transport goods as opportunities arise.
Long Beach Growth
Continuing the trend, the Port of Long Beach also reported strong performance, handling 779,331 TEUs in June, a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Imports rose 11% to reach 387,025 TEUs, while exports saw a slight decline, dropping 1.3% to 86,446 TEUs. The upward movement in empty container volumes, which increased by 14.1% to 305,860 TEUs, continued to speak to the evolving dynamics of container logistics.
CEO Noel Hacegaba of the Port of Long Beach noted the proactive measures taken by retailers to mitigate anticipated changes in trade policies. He stated, “Businesses are preparing for volatility, not certainty.” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing uncertainty in global trade, as importers strive to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring adequate stock levels.
Future Outlook
This marked success in June aligns with forecasts from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, which expect U.S. container imports to hit a record 2.47 million TEUs in July. As retailers continue to expedite shipments ahead of potentially higher tariffs in August, the traditional peak shipping season is anticipated to extend earlier than usual.
Jonathan Gold, NRF’s Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, emphasized the ongoing strategic adjustments in shipping schedules as importers navigate geopolitical challenges, especially in light of the conflict involving Iran.
Behind the Headline
The exceptional performance of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in June 2026 underscores a fundamental shift in the logistics landscape. The ability to exceed 1 million TEUs in a month is unprecedented for any port in the Western Hemisphere, which adds competitive pressure on other global shipping hubs. As retailers continue to frontload imports, operators must remain agile in managing domestic and international supply chains amidst evolving trade conditions. The anticipated record container volumes in July will serve as a crucial barometer for future operational strategies and equipment allocations within the industry.
