Fact Check: "Imports to Seattle and Tacoma plunged over 40% in late May compared to last year."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that international imports to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma experienced a significant decline in May 2025. According to the Northwest Seaport Alliance, both international imports and exports dropped, marking the end of a 14-month streak of consecutive growth. Specifically, international imports were down 21.2% compared to May 2024, while loaded imports through the ports were reported to be down 30% from April 2025 and 21% from May 2024 (King 5 News).
While these figures indicate a substantial decrease, they do not support the claim of a 40% drop. The reports suggest a decline of around 30% from April and 21.2% year-over-year, which is significant but does not reach the 40% threshold mentioned in the claim.
Analysis
The claim that imports to Seattle and Tacoma plunged over 40% is misleading based on the available data. The most reliable sources, including the Northwest Seaport Alliance and King 5 News, report declines of 21.2% and 30% respectively, but not the 40% stated in the claim.
The source from the Northwest Seaport Alliance is particularly credible as it provides detailed metrics on cargo volumes and is directly involved in port operations. The King 5 News report corroborates these figures, further establishing their reliability.
Additionally, an article from Postal Alley discusses the broader economic implications of the cargo decline, noting a 30% drop in cargo overall, which aligns with the figures from the Northwest Seaport Alliance. However, it does not support the claim of a 40% decrease.
In summary, while there is a significant decline in imports, the specific figure of 40% is not substantiated by the data from credible sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that imports to Seattle and Tacoma plunged over 40% in late May compared to last year is not supported by the available evidence. The actual reported declines are 21.2% year-over-year and 30% from the previous month, which are substantial but do not meet the threshold claimed.
