US Tariff Impact Tracker: Port of Los Angeles Imports & Freight Cycle Outlook

Key Takeaways

• 1.Laden container vessels from China to the US rose sequentially (+1% WoW) and +23% YoY, while TEU volumes grew +4% WoW and +21% YoY.
• 2.Port of Los Angeles TEU import flows are expected to jump +35% WoW next week before contracting -16% WoW two weeks out (+60% and +3% YoY, respectively).
• 3.West Coast trucking activity stabilized with weekly load availability rebounding +16% WoW (though -13% YoY) and spot rates ex-fuel up +17% YoY, following a slowdown in July and August.

Table of Contents

• Key observations from this past week's report:
• What the Tracker Is:
• 2026 Trade and Transport Scenario Roadmap—Revised From First and Second Edition:
• What to do with Transport stocks:
• High Frequency Weekly Data
• Lagged Monthly Data

Report data

Port Optimizer 6 Week Dashboard

Reports in this series

US Tariff Impact Tracker is shown in chronological order through this edition, published on September 8, 2026.

Part of the US Tariff Impact Tracker series — view all 11 editions

Looking for the latest edition? US Tariff Impact Tracker Indicated Imports into LA to Remain Firmly Positive Next Week And Decrease Seq Two Weeks Out (Oct 12, 2026)

1. Jul 27US Tariff Impact Tracker Imports into LA Mixed Over Next Two Weeks on a YOY Basis
2. Aug 3US Tariff Impact Tracker Imports into LA Mixed But Mostly Positive Over Next Two Weeks
3. Aug 10US Tariff Impact Tracker Indicated Imports into LA Remain Positive on YOY Basis Over Next Two Weeks
4. Aug 31US Tariff Impact Tracker Indicated Imports into LA to Dip into Labor Day Before Bouncing Back Two Weeks Out