Port of Los Angeles February 2026 Cargo News Briefing with Tariff and Trade Economist
•February 18, 2026
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Why It Matters
Port activity reflects broader trade policy turbulence; firms that anticipate tariff shifts and legal outcomes will safeguard margins and sustain growth in an uncertain 2026 market.
Key Takeaways
- •January cargo fell 12% YoY, reflecting high prior-year volumes.
- •Trade policy uncertainty drives cautious inventory restocking across U.S. markets.
- •Supreme Court case could overturn broad tariffs under emergency powers.
- •Upcoming Trump‑Xi meeting may reshape U.S.–China trade dynamics.
- •2026 USMCA review adds further uncertainty for North American trade.
Summary
The Port of Los Angeles held its February media briefing to review January’s cargo performance and to contextualize it within a volatile trade environment. Port officials highlighted a 12% year‑over‑year decline in container volumes, with imports down 13% and exports slipping 8%, while empty container returns fell 12%, reflecting lingering high‑volume benchmarks from 2025 and cautious restocking by importers.
Jean Sarroa noted that the drop aligns with elevated 2025 numbers driven by pre‑tariff import surges and that consumer confidence is at an 11‑year low. Despite softer holiday sales, purchase orders to Asian factories remain stable, suggesting no imminent cliff‑fall in demand. Chad Bount of the Peterson Institute warned that the burden of recent tariffs falls almost entirely on U.S. firms, creating strategic uncertainty for CEOs who must navigate shifting supplier bases and potential policy reversals.
Key discussion points included an upcoming Supreme Court decision on tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a likely Trump‑Xi summit in April that could alter the trajectory of U.S.–China trade, and the 2026 review of the USMCA, which may reshape North American trade rules. Bount’s forthcoming book, “How to Win a Trade War,” underscores the necessity for firms to study opponent strategies and adapt quickly.
For industry stakeholders, the briefing signals that while short‑term volumes may dip, the longer‑term outlook hinges on policy clarity. Companies are urged to accelerate diversification of supply chains, monitor legal and diplomatic developments, and align capital projects with a scenario‑based approach to mitigate the risks of ongoing tariff volatility.
Original Description
Feb. 17, 2026 - Economist Chad Bown, a leading authority on tariffs and U.S.-China trade policy impacts, joins Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka to discuss the impact of tariffs on trade and the economy, as well as the outlook for 2026. Seroka provides the Port’s latest cargo data and comment on supply chain issues.
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