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While major ports across California brace for economic turbulence from the Trump administration’s latest tariff hikes, the Port of Redwood City is expected to dodge the blow.
Port officials say the impact of the new tariffs will be minimal, if felt at all, thanks to the nature of the cargo they handle.
“Because the commodities that we have here at the Port — dry/liquid bulk or low-value cargo — are non-containerized and non-vehicles (both of which are high-value cargos), there is minimal impact, if any, from the current tariffs,” said Kristine Zortman, Executive Director of the Port.
Zortman added that the Port is staying alert.
“We keep our finger on the pulse of what is happening with policies and proposed tariff changes; however, at this time, we have not witnessed any impacts on our cargo or our cargo operators/owners.”
In fiscal year 2024, the Port brought in $10.2 million in revenue, slightly above its 2023 total, and officials don’t anticipate a dip. In February alone, the Port processed more than 120,000 metric tons of commodities, primarily from Canada, Vietnam, and China.
The latest tariffs hit China hardest, with rates on certain goods rising as high as 60%. Vietnam, which has used the port, is expected to face a 46% total tariff once a temporary 90-day pause expires, unless a new agreement is reached.
However, Zortman stated that the products passing through the port aren’t expected to be impacted.
That stands in sharp contrast to larger ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Seattle, where directors warned of severe supply chain disruptions during a Thursday press conference held with several Senators on tariff concerns.
“It’s not just a slowdown in activity at the ports,” said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) during the press conference. “It’ll mean a high likelihood of … consumers going into stores and finding empty shelves.”
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa echoed the senator’s sentiments.
“This on again, off again tariff battle could drive up the costs of steel, cement and the materials needed to construct housing, particularly larger transit-oriented projects which could worsen the local housing crisis,” Canepa said.
“We could also see local tech firms hit hard if semiconductors and electronics manufactured overseas are taxed at a higher rate, which could certainly drive up the costs for corporations and eventually consumers,” he added.”
The Port of Redwood City has recently attracted renewed interest. Several projects touted by local officials are now underway, including millions in state funding for infrastructure improvements and a future ferry terminal, as part of a long-term plan to expand transportation options along the Bay.
