Port Leaders Warn Tariffs Bring ‘Radical Uncertainty’ to Economy

Leaders of major West Coast ports warned that a sharp drop in ship traffic tied to President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs on Chinese goods will threaten jobs, raise prices and ripple through the broader US economy.

Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Mario Cordero said the trade policies will discourage shipping activity at the largest US gateways for goods from Asia. Ships arriving with fewer containers will mean less work for longshoremen, truck drivers, warehouse employees and retailers across the country, Codero said during a call with reporters Thursday.