() The trade war between the United States and China has become noticeable on the American front.
Chinese shipments to U.S. ports have dropped noticeably at the Port of Los Angeles, which, along with the Port of Long Beach, receives 40% of all imports from Asia.
Shipments in Los Angeles were down 10% compared to the same time in the previous year. Last week, port officials warned arrivals would keep dropping.
“We are now beginning to see the flow of cargo to the Port of Los Angeles slow,” Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said on April 24. “It’s my prediction that in two weeks time, arrivals will drop by 35%.”
He said that was because “essentially all shipments out of China for major retailers and manufacturers has ceased.’’
Import taxes on products shipped from China remain at 145%, which Trump implemented beginning April 9. Popular budget retail brands like Temu and Shein have already responded by raising consumer prices. Known for their low-cost items, both companies said their operating expenses had increased due to “recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs.”
The Port of Seattle has also seen changes. The port’s commissioner Ryan Calkins said the trade war will translate to “real pocketbook impacts for American consumers.”
Calkins said he expects fewer vessels coming into U.S. ports in the coming weeks, with less cargo on board when they arrive.
“We’re going to see a pretty significant drop off towards the end of May,” Calkins said of port traffic. “And of course, that isn’t going to change, even if things improve in the trade dispute over the next few days.”
