California Trade Report for September 2025

Below are highlights from the recently released trade data from the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis. To view additional data and analysis related to the California economy visit our website at www.centerforjobs.org/ca.

Reflecting levels typically seen in September as tariff-induced and holiday related surges eased, total trade through the state’s ports dropped $5.2 billion (-6.7%) from October and $7.8 billion (-9.8%) compared to September 2024. Compared to a year ago, exports through the state’s ports were up marginally, while total trade was driven lower by a $7.9 billion drop in imports.

Origin exports saw little change from October with a gain of only $105.4 million (0.7%), and similarly only a $396.5 million (-2.5%) dip over the year. Destination imports saw a more substantial shift from October, dropping $5.1 billion (-11.6%), but only a marginal gain over the year of $611.2 million (1.6%).

Year-to-date total trade handled by the state’s ports remained well above prior years, measured in both nominal and real terms.

After 4 months of deflationary levels, import prices saw a marginal pick-up at 0.3% over the year, while export prices continued to rise at 3.8%, their highest level since 2022.

On a cumulative basis, import prices remain largely stable, while export prices maintained a slow but relatively steady rise.

Removing the more volatile energy component—in the current situation, due to lower world oil prices—the shift in import prices comes more from changes in all other imports.