According to Port Technology International, U.S. container traffic in 2025 reflected returns on infrastructure investment and resilience. The Port of Los Angeles reaffirmed its status as the busiest U.S. container port with roughly 9.44 million TEUs and is on track to surpass 10 million TEUs again. Disciplined terminal performance helped absorb strong import volumes without the congestion seen earlier in the decade.
The Port of Long Beach handled 8.23 million TEUs, posting some of its strongest first-half volumes on record while navigating leadership transitions including the appointment of Dr. Noel Hacegaba as incoming CEO. Together, Los Angeles and Long Beach remain the backbone of U.S. container trade.
The Port of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) surpassed 7.5 million TEUs as of October, holding its title as the busiest container port on the East Coast. 5G terminal upgrades, expanded EV truck charging at Port Newark and long-term Maersk lease extensions at APM Terminals Elizabeth reinforced efficiency. The Port of Savannah moved 4.80 million TEUs, with faster transit times for Indian cargo, new electric ship-to-shore cranes and cold storage investments driving growth.
The Port of Houston held its position as the leading Gulf Coast container port with 3.97 million TEUs, up 5% year-to-date. A $214 million federal channel deepening package, the completed Houston Ship Channel expansion and a dedicated DCLI chassis area boosted landside efficiency. The list shows that ranking shifts have come less from coastal volume swings and more from direct returns on targeted infrastructure investment.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Port of Los Angeles led 2025 U.S. container ports with 9.44 million TEUs.
2. The Port of Long Beach handled 8.23 million TEUs as Dr. Noel Hacegaba took over as CEO.
3. PANYNJ surpassed 7.5 million TEUs as of October, supported by 5G upgrades and the Maersk-APM lease extension.
4. The Port of Savannah moved 4.80 million TEUs, helped by faster Indian transits and electric STS cranes.
5. The Port of Houston handled 3.97 million TEUs (+5% YTD) backed by $214 million in federal channel deepening funding.
