Cargo traffic down at Port of Virginia but full effects of tariffs not felt — yet

The impacts of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are being felt at the Port of Virginia, but not as much as experts expected back in the spring.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on imports from more than 90 countries ranging from 10% to 50% as of Aug. 6. Total shipping container volumes from January to July 2024 dropped about 9% over the same period this year, and the Port saw the lowest volumes in July since 2020, according to public Port of Virginia data.