Sánchez, L.A. County members spotlight cost of Trump’s trade polices at Port of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) was joined on Tuesday by fellow Los Angeles County delegation members Representatives Nanette Barragán, Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ted Lieu, Derek Tran and George Whitesides (all D-Calif.) for a roundtable discussion on the impact of President Trump’s trade policies on the Port of Los Angeles and the local and national economy. 

The members heard from port officials, union members, business leaders, and other stakeholders about the damage caused by President Trump’s trade policies. His tariffs cost the average American household about $1,700 last year, while creating uncertainty for businesses, hurting farmers and exporters, and disrupting cargo at the port that supports one in nine Southern California jobs. 

High-resolution photos are available HERE courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles. 

“It’s clear that President Trump’s chaotic trade policies are hurting Americans,” said Ranking Member Sánchez, the top Democrat on the Trade Subcommittee. “Families are paying more for everyday goods. Small businesses can’t plan from one month to the next. Farmers are losing access to overseas markets. And the workers who keep the nation’s busiest port running are left wondering what comes next. Southern California’s workers and families deserve better, and so does the rest of the country.” 

“We heard directly from the businesses, truckers, farmers, and workers paying the price for the Trump administration’s reckless economic policies,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Between skyrocketing fuel costs from Trump’s war on Iran and his constantly changing tariffs, businesses are struggling, truckers are being squeezed, and working families are footing the bill. The Port of Los Angeles is an economic engine for the entire country, and we must end these harmful tariff taxes, restore stability to our supply chains, and lower costs for American families.” 

“President Trump promised his tariffs would revive American manufacturing and boost exports. But as we heard firsthand at the Port of Los Angeles, his chaotic trade policies are undermining American businesses, disrupting supply chains, and leaving working families to foot the bill,” said Congresswoman Chu. “Families are paying more for everyday essentials, while businesses are still waiting for refunds on tariffs the Supreme Court struck down. That’s unacceptable. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, ensure businesses receive the refunds they’re owed, and advance trade policies that support American workers and grow our economy. I thank Congresswoman Sánchez for bringing us together to hear directly from those impacted by these policies.”

“The Port of Los Angeles is the backbone of our national supply chain and the lifeblood of working families across CA-37,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “But Trump’s temper tariffs have injected chaos into port operations, burdened small businesses, and driven up costs by $1,000 a year for consumers already struggling to make ends meet. I was proud to join Rep. Sánchez and colleagues to hear directly from port stakeholders about how erratic trade policies are hurting our nation’s busiest port and entire economy. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ll keep fighting to strengthen the Port of LA, support the workers who keep goods moving, and ensure our region remains a leader in the global economy.”

“The Port of Los Angeles is the largest container port in the United States, bringing essential goods to American businesses and consumers while connecting California businesses with markets around the world,” said Congressman Lieu. “But the Trump administration’s reckless tariffs and chaotic trade policies are driving up costs and putting businesses at risk. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Sánchez for organizing this event and for port leadership, labor leadership, and industry stakeholders for bringing attention to these challenges. I will continue fighting to protect California’s businesses and the workers and communities that depend on them.” 

“All across Los Angeles County, businesses and entire industries have been devastated by rising costs caused by the administration’s tariffs,” said Congressman Whitesides. “I’m grateful to have had the chance to join Reps. Sanchez, Barragán, and other colleagues to speak directly with Port of LA officials and other stakeholders to talk about the issues they are facing and how we can ensure California’s economy stays strong even in the midst of harmful federal actions. I’ll keep pushing to reverse the administration’s erratic trade policies that force the American consumer to pay the price.” 

Background 

The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s busiest port, handling more than 10 million containers a year. Together with the Port of Long Beach, the two ports move about 31 percent of the nation’s container trade. The port is run by the City of Los Angeles and covers 7,500 acres of land and water, with 43 miles of waterfront, 25 cargo terminals, 85 container cranes and 122 miles of on-dock rail. 

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