Long Beach port, one of the busiest ports in the United States, conducts about 55 percent of its trade with China alone. Meanwhile, its neighbor, the Port of Los Angeles, dedicates 40 percent of its activities to China. These trade relations highlight the importance of stability in U.S.-China relations for the global economy and international supply chains.
Deep Impacts of Trade Relations
Noel Hasgaba, CEO of Long Beach port, emphasized the importance of these relations, stating: "Sustainable and constructive relations between the United States and China are vital for the global economy, American consumers, and businesses." Long Beach port serves as a critical link in the Pacific trade corridor, connecting Chinese manufacturers and exporters to U.S. consumers and distribution networks.
The Port of Los Angeles also has deep ties with China. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, stated that China accounts for about 40 percent of the port's trade, which is more than two and a half times its next largest trading partner. This underscores China's importance as a trading partner.
Future Opportunities and Challenges
Trade with China remains a core part of the activities of both ports. According to Hasgaba, a stable bilateral relationship can help safeguard cargo flows, jobs, and consumer supply chains. China is also one of the leading export markets for California goods.
In addition to cargo volume, these ports are expanding their collaborations with Chinese counterparts in areas such as clean transportation, digitalization, and supply chain resilience. Seroka mentioned cooperation with the Port of Shanghai, as well as the Port of Guangzhou and recently the Port of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, which are active in creating green transport corridors and other initiatives to reduce emissions.
These port-to-port collaborations exemplify practical cooperation that can bring meaningful benefits to both sides of the ocean.
The Port of Los Angeles manages over 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, while the Port of Long Beach processed a record 9.9 million TEUs in 2025. The scale of activities at both ports showcases broader economic risks.
Together, these two ports managed about 31 percent of U.S. international container trade in 2025 and supported 2.4 million jobs nationally. Trade between China and the United States increased by 5.5 percent to $400.84 billion during the January to August period, while U.S. exports to China also rose by 3.4 percent.
