- U.S. Ports’ imports fell 6.4% year-on-year in May, totaling around 1.95 million TEUs.
- June volumes are expected to rebound slightly, but remain below 2024 levels.
- Significant year-on-year declines are projected from August through November.
- The downturn is linked to renewed tariffs and a strong import surge in late 2024.
U.S. containerized imports experienced a 6.4% year-on-year decline in May, with major ports handling approximately 1.95 million TEUs, according to recent figures. The Global Port Tracker, compiled by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, projects a rebound in June volumes to 2.06 million TEUs—up 5.9% from May but still trailing last year’s figures by 3.7%.
July is expected to see a modest year-on-year rise of 2.1%, reaching 2.36 million TEUs, before a sharp slowdown hits in the following months. Forecasts indicate year-on-year declines of 10.4% in August, 19.9% in September, 19.2% in October, and 21.3% in November. The anticipated drop is attributed to the reintroduction of tariffs and a strong comparison base from late 2024, when companies had fast-tracked imports amid concerns over potential labor unrest at East and Gulf Coast ports. Nevertheless, total container volumes for the first half of 2025 are projected to grow 4.5% year-on-year, reaching 12.63 million TEUs, as reported by Container News.
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Source: Container News
