Southern California ports face shifting trade flows and cyber threats

Major Southern California ports are navigating shifting global trade patterns and increased security threats. The Port of Long Beach reported its busiest August in history, with cargo volumes reaching 919,992 TEUs, a 2% year-on-year increase. CEO Dr Noel Hacegaba identified rail infrastructure, specifically the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, as vital to the port’s goal of doubling annual cargo to 20 million containers by 2050. The port noted a shift in trade geography, with Vietnam becoming its second-largest trading partner behind China.

Simultaneously, the Port of Los Angeles reported foiling over 120 million cyberattack attempts in August, including malware, credential harvesting, and intrusion attempts. Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized the necessity of a seven-layer digital defense as maritime operations become more reliant on digital systems.

Both ports are seeing impacts from broader geopolitical and environmental factors. Trade diversions caused by Panama Canal restrictions and shifting tariff policies are steering more freight toward the U.S. West Coast. At the Port of Los Angeles, China’s share of total business has decreased from 60% to 40% as cargo from Southeast Asia increases.