Los Angeles, California — The bustling ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, critical to the nation’s supply chain, are feeling the pressure of declining cargo volumes. Dockworkers, accustomed to busy schedules and considerable job security, are witnessing significant reductions in work opportunities as business slows dramatically.

On a recent Tuesday morning, numerous dockworkers left the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13 dispatch office empty-handed, an unusual occurrence highlighted by longshoreman Charlie Camacho. “Less volume of cargo containers means less work for us,” he expressed. The realities of his job, which typically involves loading and unloading shipping containers, have shifted drastically due to recent changes in trade policies.

Cargo traffic through these ports is down by 35% compared to the same week last year, a trend that port officials attribute to heightened tariffs on imports from China enforced by the previous administration. This adverse impact extends beyond dockworkers; businesses reliant on the port’s activity are grappling with challenges as well.

The Port of Los Angeles alone processed nearly 20 million shipping containers in the previous year, accounting for about 31% of U.S. container traffic. Anticipations of reduced volumes in 2025 are now weighing heavily on the local economy, affecting trucking companies, distribution centers, and retail operations nationwide.

“We are certainly feeling this downturn,” noted Gene Seroka, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. He emphasized that with one in twelve jobs in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area linked to the ports, the ramifications of declining cargo will ripple throughout the broader economy.

In the immediate term, the downturn is alarming for vendors like Frank Groves, who sells safety equipment to port workers. He has reported a staggering 75% drop in his sales, as fewer workers at the docks means fewer customers for his products. “I rely on them for income. If they aren’t working, I don’t make any sales,” Groves explained.

Shippers and manufacturers across the country could soon face shortages. Di Constanzo, a labor relations representative with ILWU Local 13, raised concerns that consumers may start noticing scarcity in stores within weeks, as inventory supplies dwindle. At the same time, significant price hikes are anticipated.

The economic footprint of the Port of Los Angeles stretches far beyond California, with cargo delivered across all 50 states and impacting countless businesses. Transportation of goods including furniture, electronics, and food essentials illustrates the port’s role as a vital link in the supply chain.

Experts warn that even if tariffs are lifted, recovery may be slow. Diane Middleton, a seasoned veteran in port operations, pointed out that the logistical challenges of re-establishing shipping routes can take time. “You can’t simply bring ships back in a moment’s notice,” she said.

The current situation poses long-term concerns about shifting global trade patterns. While the U.S. remains a desirable market, countries may turn to alternative suppliers that promise more stable trading environments. As the economic landscape evolves, the implications of such shifts could be profound for American consumers and businesses alike.

As affected workers and businesses grapple with these changes, the resilience of the region’s economy will be tested in the months ahead. The outcome will depend on a complex interplay of trade policies, global economic conditions, and local recovery efforts.