Trade war: New tariffs burden Long Beach - jobs and prices at risk!

Trade war: New tariffs burden Long Beach - jobs and prices at risk!

The port of Long Beach, California is increasingly affected by rising US tariffs on Chinese imports. US President Trump has issued a decree that is valid until November 10th. The background is an escalation in trade relations between the USA and China, which began in April when Trump imposed high punitive tariffs on China, to which Beijing responded with counter tariffs. These reciprocal customs measures had now reached a bilateral tariff level of over 100 percent, which significantly disrupted logistics and the movement of goods. Today, August 12, 2025, a deadline previously agreed in Geneva, which provided for a reduction in tariffs over a period of 90 days, expires. But uncertainty remains as Beijing has refrained from making unilateral concessions and announced retaliatory measures, further complicating trade talks. The current status was reported today on the Deutschlandfunk program.

The effects are felt directly in the port of Long Beach. China Shipping containers are piling up in the terminals and the number of ships arriving and departing is decreasing. This is accompanied by a significant decline in cargo volumes as ships leaving ports such as Shanghai are significantly lighter. The US government has imposed tariffs of up to 145 percent on certain goods from China, significantly disrupting supply chains and causing a slowdown in container traffic. This situation is also impacting the local economy, where truck drivers, dock workers and warehouse employees are preparing for reduced hours and income.

Economic consequences for Long Beach

The neighboring Los Angeles waterfront is experiencing similar difficulties. Short- and long-haul shipments are affected as fewer containers are moved, resulting in economic losses for many families. Global trade uncertainty not only affects China, but also impacts other U.S. ports such as Savannah and Houston.

Even if the trading situation improves, a quick recovery is unlikely. Analysts estimate it could take at least a month to reposition ships and replenish inventories if trade deals actually materialize. Consumer prices are rising due to tariffs and increased storage costs, making products originating from Asia particularly more expensive and leading to inflation.

Outlook and adjustments

Small businesses are particularly at risk because they often do not have the financial resources like larger companies to absorb rising costs. Some companies are already trying to change their logistics strategies by rerouting shipments through Canada and Mexico or storing goods in bonded warehouses to delay tariff payments. But capacities are limited, which further increases the tension on the market.

Overall, the situation remains dynamic. Business owners and logistics professionals in Long Beach are encouraged to stay abreast of changes in trade policy and discuss possible actions with port authorities. Residents should also brace for possible price increases and delays in goods as the local community experiences economic pressures fueled by reduced container movements and job losses. Developments at the Port of Long Beach could therefore have far-reaching effects on daily life and the economic stability of the region.