THE Port of Seattle has been struck with the rare sight of having no ships in harbour as US tariffs reduce the China trade to a trickle, reports CNN.

Another port official voiced concern about the drastic decline in imports as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

"I can see it right over my shoulder here, I'm looking out at the Port of Seattle right now, and we currently have no container ships at berth," said Seattle port commissioner Ryan Calkins.

"That happens every once in a while at normal times, but it's pretty rare," he added. "And so to see it tonight is I think a stark reminder that the impacts of the tariffs have real implications."

Several port authorities have observed a similar drop in cargo volumes over the past few weeks, warning that such a decline could have significant and adverse effects on consumers - who may face rising prices and limited product availability - as well as the supply chain-linked sectors of the US economy.

Mr Calkins the situation would impact the job security of longshoremen and those dealing directly with the freight, as well as industries responsible for it.

"And that's hundreds of jobs right here in our region and across the country," he said, adding that his port had not witnessed such a significant downturn since the Covid scare.