### Job Opportunities Plummet at Port of Los Angeles Amid Trump's Tariffs

The Port of Los Angeles, a vital economic hub for the region, is witnessing a worrying decline in job opportunities for longshoremen as President Trump's tariffs disrupt global trade. In an interview, Gene Seroka, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, revealed that nearly half of the longshoremen experienced unemployment over the past two weeks. The port saw a 25% reduction in cargo processing for May, a direct consequence of the steep tariffs.

The harsh impact of the tariffs has been evident in the slowing activity at the Port of Los Angeles and its adjacent counterpart, the Port of Long Beach. Together, these ports processed over 20 million cargo units last year, establishing themselves as the largest in the nation. However, the recent downturn is affecting thousands of workers, including dockworkers, heavy equipment operators, and truck drivers. Over the last 25 shifts, only 733 job opportunities were available for 1,575 longshoremen, a stark contrast to the usual figures.

The port's job posting system, where marine terminal operators list job orders three times daily, has seen a significant drop. Normally, 1,700 to 2,000 job orders are posted during a daytime shift, and 1,100 to 1,400 at night. However, the average of 733 job orders over the past 25 shifts is alarmingly low. Seroka attributed this decline to the reduced cargo volume moving through the port.

The slowdown extends beyond job postings. In May, 17 cargo ships canceled their scheduled trips to Los Angeles due to uncertainties over the imposed tariffs. Consequently, May saw 18% less cargo processed compared to April, a month typically less busy. The projections for June also reflect a grim outlook, with only five ships entering the port each day, compared to the usual 10 to 12.

The broader implications are significant. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California has voiced concerns about the potential for empty shelves, rising prices, and an increase in unemployment. A 2023 report highlighted that the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach generated $21.8 billion in direct revenue, $2.7 billion in state and local taxes, and created 165,462 jobs. A mere 1% decline in cargo could result in a loss of 2,769 jobs, potentially jeopardizing 4,000 more.

Business owners in Los Angeles who rely on imported goods are bracing for the financial impact of these tariffs. Union officials have echoed similar concerns, with ILWU Local 13 President Gary Herrera warning of reduced work hours for longshoremen, truck drivers, and warehouse workers due to the diminished cargo flow.

As the tariffs continue to shape economic realities, the port communities of Los Angeles and Long Beach confront an uncertain and challenging future.