November container traffic slows, but overall 2025 totals remain historically high
U.S. container ports are heading toward another impressive year, even as cargo volumes cooled toward the end of the year. While November showed noticeable declines across several major gateways, year-to-date container totals indicate that many ports remain on pace to deliver one of their strongest performances on record.
Despite a year-over-year decline in November, the Port of Los Angeles continues to trend toward one of its best cargo years ever. The port processed 782,249 TEUs in November, down 12% from the same month last year and nearly 8% lower than October volumes. Even with that slowdown, total container handling for the first 11 months reached 9,447,731 TEUs, about 1% higher than the same period in 2024
“Even with all the trade uncertainty, we’ll finish 2025 north of 10 million TEUs, putting this year firmly in our top three of all time,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said at a media briefing. “All that cargo moved without congestion and not a single ship backed up. That’s a credit to our longshore labor, truckers, terminal operators, rail partners and every stakeholder who keeps this complex system running smoothly.”
The Port of Long Beach also reported softer November numbers, with container volumes declining 7.5% year over year to 817,561 units. While lower than last year’s record-breaking November, the month still ranked as the port’s second-busiest November on record. Volumes were also down 2.6% compared with October levels.
“Cargo moved at a steady rate with no congestion or disruptions at the Port of Long Beach as consumers, businesses and supply chain partners endured an extraordinary amount of uncertainty caused by shifting trade policies throughout 2025,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We will continue to move trade smoothly through the end of the year, and look forward to a moderate increase in cargo for 2026.”
The Port of Oakland experienced a 4.1% year-over-year drop in November container volumes, handling 174,239 units. Traffic was also down nearly 5% compared with October. The port did not issue public comments on the results at the time of reporting.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Seaport Alliance—representing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma—reported a combined 12.6% decline in container volumes compared with last year. However, activity rebounded on a month-to-month basis, showing an 8.4% increase from October. Elevated inventories and tariff-related pressures continued to weigh on demand, pushing year-to-date volumes down 3.9%.
Port Houston remains positioned for a record-setting year, even as November volumes dipped. The port processed 335,275 containers in November, reflecting a 9% year-over-year decline and an 8% drop from October. Despite the monthly slowdown, year-to-date container volume climbed 5%, reaching nearly 4 million containers.
The South Carolina Ports Authority reported a 6% decrease in container volume for November. Intermodal operations remained a bright spot, with Inland Port Dillon achieving a record December total of 4,466 rail moves. Like other ports, SC Ports has begun to see signs of prolonged softness that could extend into next year.
“We’re preparing to see weaker volumes continue into 2026 but remain hopeful that the industry will stabilize sometime next year,” SC Ports President Micah Mallace said. “Regardless of market conditions, SC Ports remains focused on growing above-market and delivering meaningful solutions for customers’ toughest supply chain needs.”
Monthly container figures were not available at press time for the Port of Savannah or the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
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