Trade Wars and Shifting Sands: How Tariffs Reshaped the Port of Los Angeles's Relationship with China

The Port of Los Angeles's relationship with China has shifted significantly in recent years, according to Gene Seroka, the port's executive director. In a recent CNBC interview, Seroka revealed that 45% of the port's business portfolio is now with China, a decrease from 60% in 2018. This decrease is attributed to the impact of tariffs and trade policies. "That was 60% back in 2018 before the first 232 and 301 tariffs went in," Seroka stated, highlighting the impact of these trade measures. Despite this decrease, Seroka emphasized that China still holds a significant share of the market. He also noted that around 90-95% of all trans-Pacific trade is contracted annually, providing a stable base for business. However, Seroka also pointed to a migration of sourcing to Southeast Asian nations due to the trade policies. Despite the challenges, the port continues to operate and adapt to the changing global trade landscape.