Imports plunge at Seattle, Tacoma ports as tariffs take toll

SEATTLE — International imports through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma dropped by about a quarter last week, raising alarms among trade and business leaders about cascading impacts for Washington consumers and small businesses.

For the week ending July 25, the Northwest Seaport Alliance — which oversees both ports — reported a 25.9% year-over-year decline in imports, down 24.5% from the previous week. Ryan Calkins, alliance co-chair and Port of Seattle Commission president, said the sharp drop in shipping volume threatens local businesses that rely on steady two-way trade.

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Less import traffic means fewer outbound shipping options for Washington exporters, he said, and retaliatory tariffs are squeezing already-thin prof