Georgia Ports hit record numbers second month in a row amidst tariff yoyo

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Coming in or going out, tariffs play a big role in imports and exports in our country.

With the biggest port in the Southeast right in our backyard, port leaders are watching the tariff battle play out.

In March, the Georgia Ports Authority reported its second monthly record for container movement.

“The rate of growth was due in large part to two factors: Cargo coming back from the U.S. West Coast after the completion of labor contract negotiations, and second, customers front-loading orders to avoid new tariffs,” said President Griff Lynch in a news release.

According to the International Trade Number of 2024 — Canada, Mexico, and China are Georgia’s top exporters.

While Canada and Mexico tariffs may be paused for now, tariffs on China are not. Instead, President Trump announced a 125% increase.

The tariff threats have garnered support from some Georgia lawmakers, with Congressman Buddy Carter chiming in on X, saying:

While others like Senator Warnock refer to the tariffs as reckless destruction.

“Pain and chaos” is what Warnock says the Georgia people are going through as the President continues to push this policy.

It is unclear what will happen after those 90 days have concluded.

However, the tariffs on rates on steel, aluminum and auto imports remain unchanged.