Trade and transportation leaders in Southern California said the region's ports, airports and logistics infrastructure continue to play a critical role in global commerce despite mounting geopolitical tensions, shifting trade patterns and economic uncertainty.

The remarks came during the centennial celebration of World Trade Week held in Los Angeles on May 27, where officials and business leaders reflected on the region's century-long role as a gateway for international trade and discussed challenges facing global supply chains.

This year's theme, "Celebrating a Century of Global Partnership, Innovation and Prosperity", highlighted the importance of trade in economic growth and international cooperation, according to Maria Salinas, president and chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Panel discussions focused on how Southern California can maintain its position as a global trade and innovation hub amid disruptions ranging from geopolitical conflicts to shifting tariff policies and supply chain restructuring.

Noel Hacegaba, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, said continuing instability in global trade and energy markets has added new pressures on logistics and transportation systems.

"There hasn't been a normal year in our industry for quite a while," Hacegaba said. "Every year seems to introduce a new layer of complexity."

He pointed to conflicts in the Middle East, rising fuel prices and evolving US trade policies as major factors reshaping shipping and manufacturing costs. According to Hacegaba, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have worked to remain a "safe harbor" amid uncertainty by investing in infrastructure and maintaining operational flexibility.

Hacegaba said China continues to remain a major trading partner for Southern California ports even as regional supply chains across Asia become increasingly diversified.

"In 2019, cargo tied to China accounted for about 70 percent of our imports and exports. Today that's down to 60 percent," Hacegaba said. "But last year we still set an all-time record."

He noted that while trade volumes from Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia have grown in recent years, China remains central to regional manufacturing and global supply chains. According to Hacegaba, shifting cargo patterns have also created new logistical challenges for ports and shipping operators.

"That adds two to three days on the water on a ship from Southeast Asia," Hacegaba said. "So that means that we now have to find a way to make up for that difference."

Hacegaba said the Port of Long Beach is expanding rail and cargo infrastructure to improve efficiency and maintain the competitiveness of Southern California as a key gateway for trans-Pacific trade.

Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, also emphasized the importance of maintaining stable international relationships and adapting to rapidly changing trade conditions.

"It's been a roller coaster, and even for the most seasoned professional, it's a lot to keep up with," Seroka said, referring to policy changes, tariffs and global market shifts.

Seroka said businesses are shortening planning horizons because of economic uncertainty, while inflation and weaker capital investment continue to affect both companies and consumers. At the same time, he noted that long-established international relationships have helped Southern California adapt to changing trade patterns more smoothly.

Referring to recent visits to Hong Kong and cities in the Chinese mainland, Seroka said long-term international partnerships remain essential for sustaining trade cooperation and adapting to shifting global trade flows.

"The ability to really put this into another gear and get those relationships going in places where we haven't had normal trade flows has been almost seamless," Seroka said. He added that better information technology and a deeper understanding of cargo movements have enabled ports and logistics operators to respond more quickly to market uncertainty and changing trade patterns.

John Ackerman, chief executive officer of Los Angeles World Airports, said geopolitical conflicts are increasingly affecting aviation routes and transportation costs.

"The war in Iran is adding hours and hours to the journeys of the airplanes that come in and out of the airport and go to the Gulf region," Ackerman said. "That changes the economics for goods."

Ackerman added that much of the infrastructure supporting global trade often operates behind the scenes, but disruptions can quickly affect supply chains and commerce. He emphasized the importance of maintaining resilient transportation systems and stable international connectivity.

Dilpreet Sidhu, deputy mayor of international affairs for the City of Los Angeles, said Los Angeles intends to remain a stable and reliable global trade partner despite continuing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

"LA is going to continue to be a stable and reliable partner," Sidhu said. "We're open for business, and we will welcome the world."

Sidhu also emphasized the importance of maintaining ties with China and other international partners.

"We are close to Shanghai," she said. "We hope to keep those relationships and the role that all of us play in making sure that we're projecting LA as this welcoming place for shared prosperity."