Container imports soar at busiest US port in May as buyers try to outrun rising fuel costs

Container imports surged at the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest U.S. container gateway, reaching the second-highest monthly total in history in May. The port handled 840,165 TEUs, including 449,370 TEUs of imports, up 26% year on year. Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said retailers expedited orders because vessel owners are set to begin recovering higher marine fuel costs tied to the Iran war from July 1. The conflict has disrupted shipping in the Middle East and tightened crude supply used to make plastics and other goods, raising concerns about raw materials and factory items. Costs have risen further as bunker fuel across 20 global ports nearly doubled in March to $1,053. Global Section 122 tariffs could expire in late July, while proposed new tariffs up to 12.5% cover imports from 60 countries linked to forced-labor allegations.