If global trade were a precision machine, ports would undoubtedly serve as its vital hubs. The Port of Los Angeles, the gateway connecting the U.S. economy to the world, has reaffirmed its central role in global supply chains by handling over 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025—a milestone that not only marks a historic achievement for the port but also offers significant insights into the future trajectory of international commerce.
Record Performance Amid Economic Uncertainty
Recent data from the Port of Los Angeles reveals it processed 10.2 million containers in 2025, marking the third-highest annual throughput in its 118-year history and only the third time exceeding the 10 million TEU threshold. While slightly below 2024's record of 10.3 million TEUs, this performance remains remarkable given the complex and uncertain global economic landscape.
December 2025 saw noticeable declines, with imported containers totaling 424,498 TEUs (down 7.9% year-over-year) and exports reaching 108,074 TEUs (a 2.18% decrease). Empty container volumes fell more sharply, dropping over 26% to 259,014 TEUs—a trend attributed to tariff adjustments and policy changes.
Long Beach Port's Complementary Growth
The adjacent Port of Long Beach, Los Angeles' sister port, demonstrated equally robust performance, handling 48.9% of all San Pedro Bay cargo—9,881,595 TEUs in 2025, a 2.4% increase over 2024's previous record of 9.6 million TEUs. Detailed figures show imports rising 1.1% to 4,779,559 TEUs, while exports declined 5.5% to 1,141,113 TEUs. Empty container movements grew 6.7% to 3,960,925 TEUs, further cementing Southern California's San Pedro Bay maritime complex as a critical global trade nexus.
Strategic Infrastructure Investments
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized cargo transportation's vital role in the U.S. economy during the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association's annual port report meeting: "Freight movement remains the lifeblood of America's economy. Our farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers all depend on efficient cargo transportation."
To meet future challenges and opportunities, the port is advancing several infrastructure upgrades under its "Build Bigger, Build Smarter" initiative:
- Berth 500 Expansion: This large-scale cargo handling project aims to increase throughput capacity. The port issued tender invitations in October 2025, expecting participation from leading international firms.
- Maritime Support Facility: Dedicated to chassis storage and container handling to alleviate congestion and improve operational efficiency.
- Berth 300 Phoenix Marine Terminal Expansion: Will enhance service capabilities and provide superior logistics solutions.
- TiL Container Terminal Upgrade: Terminal Investment Limited (a subsidiary of MSC, the world's largest container line) will undergo wharf and rail improvements to significantly boost intermodal capacity.
Sustainability and Future Challenges
While both ports achieved strong 2025 results, trade friction and policy uncertainties remain significant challenges. Enhanced collaboration between governments, businesses, and stakeholders will be crucial to developing stable, sustainable global trade frameworks.
Environmental stewardship continues as a priority, with both ports committed to reducing operational impacts through clean energy adoption and process optimization. Future success will require increased investment in green initiatives to balance economic growth with ecological responsibility.
The Port of Los Angeles' 10-million-TEU milestone not only confirms its indispensable role in global trade but also charts a course for future development. Through continuous infrastructure modernization, technological innovation, and environmental commitment, the port is positioned to navigate coming challenges while sustaining its contributions to U.S. and global economic prosperity.