Port of Los Angeles Surpasses 10 Million TEU in 2025 - Marking the Third Time in History

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles has announced achieving near-record container volume in 2025, despite a challenging trade environment. On this occasion, the port also unveiled a series of key projects aimed at solidifying its position as the premier import gateway of the United States.

Maintaining Peak Performance

Los Angeles, forming the San Pedro Bay port complex alongside the Port of Long Beach, processed 10.2 million container units in 2025. This represents the third-highest output in the port's 118-year history and marks the third time it has surpassed the 10 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) threshold. Previously, the port handled 10.3 million TEUs in 2024.

In prepared remarks delivered to 900 guests at the annual State of the Port event hosted by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) on Thursday, Gene Seroka, the port’s Executive Director, emphasized: “Every record set and every bar raised is a direct result of the dedication and commitment of the people who make this port work. Cargo remains the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. American farmers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers all depend on how well we move that cargo.”

Volume Fluctuations Driven by Tariff Policy

Despite the impressive total volume, detailed metrics reveal the distinct impact of the trade landscape:

•    Loaded Imports: Reached 424,498 TEUs, down 7.9% from 460,915 TEUs in 2024, as tariffs and policy shifts curtailed import volumes from China to the US.

•    Loaded Exports: Reached 108,074 TEUs, a decrease of 2.18% compared to 110,483 TEUs a year earlier.

•    Empty TEUs: Totaled 259,014 TEUs, a sharp decline of over 26% compared to 350,217 TEUs in 2024.

Strategy: "Build Bigger and Build Smarter"

Mr. Seroka outlined a vision for the port’s future, highlighted by investment priorities for infrastructure projects dubbed “Build Bigger and Build Smarter.”

The project list includes a significant expansion of cargo handling capacity at the proposed Pier 500 Marine Container Terminal. The port called for investment proposals last October.

Mr. Seroka, who frequently appears in the media as the face of the US port industry, shared: “Pier 500 would be the first new container terminal to be developed at the port in a generation. We envision it to be the greenest, cleanest terminal in the world. It will be an investment in our workforce, sustainability, resilience and innovation – keeping us ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Other key projects include:

•    Maritime Support Facility: Dedicated to chassis storage and container pick-up/drop-off.

•    Expansion of the Fenix Marine Services Terminal at Pier 300.

•    Wharf and rail upgrades at the TiL LA Container Terminal. TiL is a subsidiary of Terminal Investment Ltd., owned by Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), serving as a gateway for the world's largest container carrier.

Digital Technology and Environment

Technologically, the port continues to invest in traffic management systems like Port Optimizer, Signal, and a Universal Truck Appointment System. According to Seroka, these systems help port partners better forecast and manage cargo flows. An $8 million state GO-Biz grant will expand the truck appointment system to terminals in Long Beach and support enhanced data sharing among the state’s five major container ports.

Environmentally, Los Angeles has achieved its lowest-ever emissions on a per-TEU basis compared to any port worldwide. The port also has an agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) to develop zero-emission infrastructure. A $412 million Clean Ports grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in 2025, combined with $230 million in non-federal matching funds, will underwrite the retrofitting of terminals with zero-emission equipment.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Freight Waves)

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