US Ports Experience 40% Trade Drop Amid Trump Tariffs, Economic Concerns

President Donald Trump has repeatedly characterized the slowdown in U.S. port traffic, attributed to his administration's tariffs on Chinese goods, as a positive development, claiming it means the U.S. "loses less money." Despite significant declines in shipping volumes—up to 44% in some ports—and growing concerns among dockworkers, truck drivers, and shipping executives about job security and economic fallout, Trump dismissed these worries. He argued that cutting trade ties with China, which he claimed was making over $1 trillion annually from the U.S., would ultimately benefit the American economy and expressed a desire to see fairer trade conditions. Industry experts and data firms have highlighted the withdrawal of shipping capacity, canceled sailings, and reduced exports, warning that these protectionist measures disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers. Shipping executives also note that small businesses are pausing orders due to higher tariffs, and the resulting delays are unprecedented since the 2020 disruptions. Trump's comments came amid broader trade negotiations and were met with skepticism from those impacted by the tariffs' economic consequences.