Port of LA imports fell nearly 20% in May, and it may mean higher prices and fewer choices on back-to-school and Halloween items

Gene Seroka stands in front of the Port of Los Angeles and looks to his left. (Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP—Getty Images)

• As peak trade season approaches, import volumes at the Port of Los Angeles fell 19% in May compared to April and 9% from a year ago as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Port of LA’s executive director warns fewer shipments may mean higher prices on fewer available goods, starting for back-to-school shopping and impacting even winter holiday products.

Steep tariffs have continued to slash the volume of U.S. imports, and consumers have yet to see the brunt of their impacts, according to new data from the Port of Los Angeles and Yale Budget Lab.