'We Currently Have No Container Ships,' Seattle Port Says

Summary

Another shipping port official voiced concern about the drastic decline in imports as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs."I can see it right over my shoulder here, I'm looking out at the Port of Seattle right now, and we currently have no container ships at berth," Seattle port commissioner Ryan Calkins told CNN on Wednesday."That happens every once in a while at normal times, but it's pretty rare," he added. "And so to see it tonight is I think a stark reminder that the impacts of the tariffs have real implications."Newsweek has reached out to the Port of Seattle via email outside of business hours for further comment.Why It MattersSeveral port authorities have observed a similar drop in cargo volumes over the past few weeks, warning that such a decline could have significant and adverse effects on consumers—who may face rising prices and limited product availability—as well as the supply chain-linked sectors of the U.S. economy.What To KnowCalkins told CNN that the current situation would impact the job security of longshoremen and those dealing directly with the freight, as well as industries responsible for transporting imports nationwide."And that's hundreds of jobs right here in our region and across the country," he said, adding that his port had not witnessed such a significant downturn in activity since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stacked containers in the Port of Los Angeles, California, on May 6, 2025. Stacked containers in the Port of Los Angeles, California, on May 6, 2025. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images Long Beach Port CEO Mario Cordero similarly compared the current decline in traffic to COVID-era disruptions, describing the situation as "dire" in an interview with NBC."You could hear a pin drop," Port of Los Angeles Director Gene Seroka said, telling NPR this week that imports at the ordinarily busy port were down by around 35 percent on an annual basis."The impact the Port of Los Angeles has on the city, the region and the...