Chinese freight traffic to the busiest ports in the U.S., specifically Los Angeles and Long Beach, is experiencing a significant decline due to the trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, combined with concerns surrounding a potential recession, has become evident in the latest port data.
Recently released figures indicate a striking 29% drop in the number of freight vessels departing China for Southern California, the principal U.S. entry points for Asian trade. Year-over-year comparisons reveal an even steeper 44% decline in scheduled vessel arrivals for the week of May 4 to May 10.
This data is gathered and updated daily through Port Optimizer, a system that tracks ship movements based on declared port destinations. It reflects both vessels that have yet to leave Asia and those currently en route.
For the week in question, only twelve vessels are expected to arrive, down from twenty-two the previous week. Correspondingly, shipping container volumes are also declining, with arrivals decreased to 62,568 TEUs during the week of May 4 to May 10, compared to 120,608 TEUs just two weeks prior.
The recent slowdown in ocean freight is beginning to affect ground transportation services associated with these ports. Ken Adamo, chief of analytics at DAT Freight & Analytics, noted a concerning trend of over 700,000 truckloads disappearing nationally within just one week.
In a related context, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated to investors that the ongoing trade conflict with China may be unsustainable, hinting at the possibility of de-escalation soon. Furthermore, this downturn coincides with an increase in canceled sailings from ocean carriers operating on Pacific routes leading to Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle.
Major shipping alliances, such as the Gemini alliance, report high cancellation rates, demonstrating the industry’s struggle to adjust to declining orders amid ongoing trade disputes. As demand diminishes, carriers are strategically suspending or modifying their transpacific services.