Port of LA looks to expand over next year amid tariff changes: ‘2025 was a year like no other’

The Port of Los Angeles reported another standout year in 2025, handling 10.2 million container units and being the busiest port in the country for the 26th year in a row, despite industry challenges.

“2025 was a year like no other, from accelerated dips in volume to record highs,” Gene Seroka, executive director at the Port of Los Angeles, said. “It truly was a roller coaster.”

The highlights came at the annual State of the Port in San Pedro on Thursday. It was also the first State of the Port since the Trump administration adopted its tariff and trade policies.

Seroka laid out a vision for the upcoming year that included expanding the port and reaffirming its environmental commitments

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“We are moving more cargo than ever before with the lowest pollution footprint on record for every container shipped,” Seroka said.

The Port of L.A. is in an agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Port of Long Beach to achieve zero-emission operations at both ports. The ports also adopted the Clean Air Action Plan in 2006, which has since cut overall emissions of diesel particulate matter by 90% and nitrogen oxides by 73%, according to the Port of L.A.

The past 12 months marked a volatile year for the port amid changing tariffs, according to Seroka.

“The global trade map is being redrawn," he said. "Shifting trade policies are creating uncertainty and volatility, and the maritime supply chain is at the center of it all. But here's what hasn't changed: Cargo remains the lifeblood of the US economy.”

In July, Port of L.A. officials reported import traffic jumping to 32% in June compared to the month prior. The yo-yoing volume came as many customers tried to get in as much as they could in response to the tariffs.

Seroka said to meet the demands of tomorrow, the Port of L.A. needs to build bigger, smarter and more sustainably.

Pier 500 and the Maritime Support Facility are part of the port’s plan to boost capacity and improve efficiency.

Another essential part of building smarter, Seroka added, is the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

“The bridge needs redecking to make it safer for the 50,000 vehicles that cross it daily, but here's the bigger issue,” Seroka said. “We also need to raise it or replace it to unlock our full capacity north of the bridge.”

Plans to raise the bridge during the redecking project, however, were nixed last November by the state’s transportation agency, according to the L.A. Times.

Seroka said the port was working with the governor's office and California Transportation officials to establish a formal partnership exploring all options, which could include building a new crossing.

Among other future projects, the port is looking to break ground on the Avalon Pedestrian Bridge next month to connect visitors to the new Wilmington Waterfront Promenade.