Tariffs set to dramatically reduce U.S. port traffic

Image: Port of Los Angeles

With sweeping tariffs now imposed on all U.S. trading partners, import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to drop dramatically beginning next month, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said. “Tariffs are taxes on U.S importers ultimately paid by consumers. They are creating anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and families alike with the speed at which they are being implemented and stacked upon each other. At this point, retailers are expected to pull back and rely on built-up inventories, at least long enough to see what will happen next.”

Following tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico announced