Editor’s note: Since the article was published, the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Savannah have released their June figures, reporting 4,417,282 TEUs and 2,858,866 TEUs, respectively.
The first half of 2025 has seen the major US container ports continue to compete closely for top position, with the latest data confirming the dominance of the Port of Los Angeles and sustained strength at Long Beach and New York/New Jersey.
Whilst official June figures for some ports are yet to be released, Port Technology International (PTI) reviews key trends and estimates H1 2025 throughput rankings based on year-to-date performance.
1. Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles has once again cemented its status as the nation’s busiest container port, handling 4,955,812 TEUs between January and June 2025.
June alone saw a record-breaking 892,340 TEUs – the highest June volume ever recorded at the port.
READ: Port of Los Angeles signs agreement to boost Central Valley trade
2. Port of Long Beach
Just across the bay, the Port of Long Beach moved 4,746,631 TEUs in H1 2025. Although June volumes dipped by 16 per cent year-on-year, the port’s overall throughput keeps it firmly in second place among the country’s top gateways.
READ: Port of Long Beach marks 20 years of green milestones
3. Port of New York and New Jersey
The Port of New York and New Jersey processed 3,729,611 TEUs from January to May, with PTI estimating its H1 2025 total at around 4,475,000 TEUs.
In May alone, the port briefly claimed the national lead, moving 774,698 TEUs – a testament to its strategic importance as the primary hub on the US East Coast.
READ: Port Newark adds EV truck chargers at PANYNJ
4. Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah has surpassed 500,000 TEUs for three consecutive months, bringing its January–May total to 2,448,466 TEUs. PTI estimates its first-half figure at approximately 2,925,000 TEUs.
Savannah’s steady climb reflects both sustained demand and the dividends of continued investment in capacity and infrastructure.
READ: US cold storage facility breaks ground near Port of Savannah
5. Port Houston
Port Houston posted a 3 per cent year-on-year increase in container throughput in H1 2025, reaching 2,169,677 TEUs. The port’s strategic Gulf Coast location and ongoing infrastructure enhancements continue to underpin its steady upward momentum.
READ: Port Houston secures $214 million for channel upgrades
Top US ports by TEUs: January-June 2025
| Port | Jan–Jun 2025 TEUs* |
|---|---|
| Port of Los Angeles | 4,955,812 |
| Port of Long Beach | 4,746,631 |
| Port of New York/New Jersey | 4,475,000 (est.) |
| Port of Savannah | 2,925,000 (est.) |
| Port Houston | 2,169,677 |
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The latest Descartes Global Shipping Report offers valuable context behind the port throughput figures for the first half of the year. According to the report, US container imports grew modestly in H1 2025, despite ongoing disruptions in global supply chains and a notable downturn in volumes from Asia – particularly China.
This gradual uptick in imports helped West Coast ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach regain momentum, while East Coast hubs such as New York/New Jersey and Savannah benefited from shifting trade patterns and continued infrastructure investment.
The report also highlights a wider industry shift towards resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability – trends reflected in the improved throughput and operational efficiency at the nation’s top-performing ports.
Taken together, the data signals a period of cautious recovery and strategic realignment, as ports across the US adjust to evolving market demands and a reshaped global trade environment.
