Sen. Murray warns of supply chain strain as WA imports set to drop 40%
May 1, 2025, 3:03 PM | Updated: 3:55 pm
The Port of Tacoma. (Photo courtesy of the Port of Tacoma)
(Photo courtesy of the Port of Tacoma)
U.S. Senator Patty Murray is sounding the alarm over the nation’s supply chain.
Murray said ports along the West Coast are already seeing a decline in incoming cargo.
“Less cargo at our ports means less goods for our truckers to transport, and that ultimately means bare shelves for our retailers and the American consumer,” she said.
The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are projecting a 40% drop in shipments later this month amid the ongoing trade war. Analysts are warning the public about potential supply chain issues not seen since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Less cargo coming into ports means less out
RELATED STORIES
Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins said less cargo coming in also means fewer U.S.-made products going out.
“Port of Seattle is a major agricultural exporter, and when imports are frozen because of these tariffs, it means that we also don’t have an opportunity to export those agricultural goods,” he shared.
Calkins added that consumers could begin to feel the pinch by mid-May, with higher prices and fewer products on shelves.
Some retail analysts are even warning of shortages and layoffs similar to those during the pandemic.
Contributing: Aaron Granillo, KIRO Newsradio; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
