Los Angeles Port Imports Hit Second-Highest Level Amid Rising Fuel Costs From Middle East Conflict

Loaded container imports at the Port of Los Angeles reached 449,370 twenty-foot equivalent units in May 2026, the second-highest monthly total on record and 26 percent above May 2025 levels, the port said this week. The Middle East conflict has driven a sharp rise in marine fuel costs, forcing shipping companies to impose emergency fuel surcharges and increasing transportation costs across global trade routes.

Vessel operators will pass accrued bunker expenses into annual cargo contracts to offset elevated fuel costs.

Moller–Maersk introduced an Emergency Bunker Surcharge as of March 25 in response to fluctuations in fuel supply and additional distribution costs. Hapag-Lloyd introduced an Emergency Fuel Surcharge across all trades to cover costs not included in the Marine Fuel Recovery Charge.

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc stated on the Q1 earnings call that the cost impact of the energy shock is unprecedented in size, speed, and market dislocations.

Maersk faces approximately $500 million in extra cost per month due to the Hormuz energy shock. Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen stated on the Q1 earnings call that the conflict and energy price surge have translated into higher costs. Hapag-Lloyd incurs 50-60 million euros, or $58-$70 million, in extra costs every week due to the conflict and energy price surge.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka stated that cargo moved due to inventory replenishment, fuel cost concerns, trade-policy uncertainty, and preparation for upcoming retail seasons. Companies are operating with shorter planning horizons. The war in the Middle East has upended global shipping, raising bunker fuel costs and altering trade routes.