Mayor Karen Bass recently met with goods movement industry leaders, labor representatives, and local business owners to discuss the impact of tariffs on the Port of Los Angeles and the wider business community. Mayor Bass emphasized her strong support for the Port, assuring that Los Angeles remains a reliable business partner despite economic uncertainties.

Concerns Over Trade Policy’s

Attendees, including terminal operators, railroad representatives, and supply chain stakeholders, expressed significant concern over how unpredictable federal trade policies are disrupting trade, deterring private investment, and raising fears about job stability and growth.

Quotes from Key Leaders

Mayor Karen Bass highlighted that “the unpredictability of federal trade policy is felt deeply throughout our city,” noting that millions of Angelenos depend on the Port for well-paying jobs. She affirmed, “Los Angeles remains open for business.”

Council-member Tim McOsker criticized the “chaos of these ever-changing tariffs,” stating they cause “real economic harm” by slowing ship calls and impacting livelihoods. He stressed that American workers shouldn’t bear the burden of such unpredictability.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, thanked Mayor Bass for the meeting, emphasizing Los Angeles’s crucial role in world trade and reaffirming the Port’s commitment to its workers and partners

The Port’s Significance

As the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, the Port of Los Angeles handles 40% of U.S. imports, supporting one million jobs in the LA region and 2.7 million nationally. Mayor Bass will continue to monitor federal trade and fiscal policies, advocating for the interests of Angelenos and local businesses.

Click here to read the original full article on the City of Los Angelos Website.