West Coast Ports Expect Slowdown In Container Shipments According to a report on Resource Recycling , shipping containers moving through the Port of Long Beach are expected to slow in November and December, authorities said, activity that has a strong correlation to demand for cardboard boxes globally as well as supply of old corru- gated containers. Moreover, heading into the first half of 2026, consum- ers may be less interested in purchasing goods due to “price escalation,” said port CEO Mario Cordero during a recent press conference. However, he added that con- sumer spending would hinge on “how far we move for- ward with mitigating the kind of tariff percentile numbers that we were discussing earlier this year.” Recent data from the American Forest and Paper Asso- ciation indicated that containerboard production through September had dropped by 3 percent on the year, amid capacity closures and high mill inventories, suggesting lackluster demand. Amid more cautious consumer spending, the port has seen a 52 percent decline over the past year in winter clothing including coats and sweaters, Cordero said. Nev- ertheless, he expects a “robust” Black Friday, with ship- ments of toys from China down only 3.2 percent on the year. He added that 2024 was a record year for container shipments at Long Beach, driven by six months of historic levels he attributed last December to concern for potential dockworker strikes. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and data cen- ter infrastructure is driving an increase in shipments of electronics, especially the required chips, Cordero said. Tariff Impacts And China Although ports have seen an effect from a volatile tariff environment, the worst potential outcomes of trade war disruptions have not occurred, Cordero said. He added that so far consumers have not seen significant price im- pacts, with manufacturers and retailers distributing some of those costs. However, as 2026 approaches consumers will likely see higher prices as shippers pass on a higher percent- age of those costs to the consumer. “We’re hoping this will be offset by further trade agreements between the United States and China, so we can come to a pragmatic resolu- tion that is beneficial to both sides,” Cordero said. Along with Los Angeles, Long Beach has seen record cargoes since late 2024 as shippers front-loaded cargoes to mitigate the worst of the tariff impacts, said Noel Hace- gaba, chief operating officer of the Port of Long Beach. Hacegaba also noted that container volumes to and from China in the past six years have dropped from around 70 percent of the port’s total to around 60 percent. Al- though the reprieves on trade policies should increase ac- tivity, “what’s missing is a long-term trade deal” to provide certainty and stability for importers and exporters, he said.
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
OHIO BLOW PIPE/ADVANCED AIRSYSTEMS www.obpairsystems.com For 85 years the Ohio Blow Pipe company and its whol- ly owned subsidiary, Advanced Airsystems, have provided the corrugated and folding carton industries with systems and products to process scrap. We engineer, fabricate, in- stall, service, provide system audits, and offer a wide range of scrap systems, dust collection systems and products to include cyclones, under roof AIR-SCREEN™ systems, pit belt systems, CLEANAIR dust collectors, Mist-Clone™ dust control systems for vacuum feeds, material handling fans, ductwork, switch valves, airveyors, balers, and shredders. OMP www.omp.com OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow and thrive by offering the best digitized sup- ply chain planning solution on the market. Its Unison Plan- ning concept has a unique approach. It handles all supply chain planning challenges in a unified way, synchronizing all planning stages, horizons, functions and roles. Hundreds of customers run OMP’s cloud-based solution to generate more value by making informed decisions. OMP invests one out of every three dollars earned into innovation.
PAPER AND DUST PROS, INC. www.paperanddustpros.com
We custom design, install and service air conveyed scrap and dust collection systems. Our unique APS® is smaller, lighter, and more reliable than current cyclones. Contact us to learn how the APS® System can enhance your operation.
PROFERO SYSTEMS, INC. www.ProferoSystems.com
Profero Systems the leader in double facer heating and traction section conversions and performance enhancing products. Featuring products from Contact Bars and Com- pensating Rolls to New Glue Machines and Double Facers. GF PUHL www.gfpuhl.com GF PUHL designs, manufactures and installs air conveyed scrap & dust collection systems for the packaging and cor- rugated industries. With 42 years of experience, USA and In- ternational. We offer below or above roof systems featuring cyclones OR screen separators with real time pressure bal- ancing for optimal dust control. High efficiency cyclones for sheet transfer exhaust systems eliminate water consump- tion and deliver dust directly to compactor or briquetter for low maintenance, long term sustainability and reliability.
QUEST7, INC. www.Quest7.us
Quest7, Inc. is focused on being a leading manufacturer and distributor of critical parts and materials required in the cor- rugated box industry. Our commitment of “Bringing the Best to You,” reflects the level of quality and customer response in what we do every day.
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www.boardconvertingnews.com
December 1, 2025
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