Local ports watching tariff trade deals closely
Aug 1, 2025, 5:30 PM
The container ship CMA CGM Osiris arrives at the Port of Oakland on April 09, 2025 in Oakland, California. (Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
(Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
New tariffs are set to go into effect next week with international trading partners, and the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma are watching closely.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs will also impact dozens of other countries and many everyday consumer goods.
Ports in the Pacific Northwest are a key indicator of how trade policies could affect the region. Sam Cho with the Port of Seattle said companies are in limbo, unsure of what to expect.
“A lot of these shippers and importers who need to put in orders or manufacture goods and import them are kind of frozen,” Cho told KIRO Newsradio. “They’re not exactly sure what tariff rate they’re going to be hit with.”
RELATED STORIES
Port of Tacoma Commissioner concerned about job losses amid tariffs
Port of Tacoma Commissioner John McCarthy said he’s concerned about potential job losses.
“If a ship has 2,000 fewer containers, that means 2,000 less truck trips, truck drivers, those that put the container on and off the truck,” McCarthy said.
Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the country, with significant trade ties to Canada. U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods such as steel, aluminum, auto parts, and copper could rise to 35% to 50%, prompting expected retaliation from Canada.
Cho also warned of possible inflation. Port activity has fluctuated since April, with companies rushing to import goods before tariffs hit. Imports dropped 30% at the end of April and another 20% in May. June saw a slight rebound, but volumes remain below last year’s levels.
Follow Luke Duecy on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
