Southern California is not only known for its celebrities but also for its bustling ports. The San Pedro Bay port complex, which includes the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, has been a significant economic driver for California. With approximately 15,000 longshore workers handling billions of dollars in cargo, the ports have been crucial to the US economy. However, due to the Trump administration’s tariffs, which impose a minimum 10% tax on imports and higher levies on goods from 57 countries, about a third of the port’s traffic has slowed down. This affects not only the local workforce but also the broader US economy as the ports handle 40% of all containerized imports into the country. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs has led to anxiety among workers and businesses alike. While some hoped that Trump’s policies would bring jobs back, the reality has been a mix of chaos and economic strain. The situation is further complicated by new rules that phase in port fees on ships built in China, leading to more canceled sailings and impacting the livelihoods of port workers.
— new from The Guardian
