Total container volumes in November 2025 reflected ongoing pressure from tariffs and elevated retail inventories, despite a modest month-on-month improvement. While international trade remained subdued, operational reliability gained recognition as carriers demonstrated improved schedule consistency at the gateway.
Container Traffic Trends: Year-on-Year Decline Continues
In November 2025, total container volume reached 253,532 TEUs, marking a 12.6% decline year-on-year compared to November 2024, though volumes were 8.4% higher than October 2025. International trade remained under strain, with full imports down 19.4% year-on-year and full exports falling 16.9%.
On a year-to-date basis, total volumes stood at 2.92 million TEUs, down 3.9% compared to the same period in 2024. Full imports declined 8.7%, while full exports dropped 3.8%, reflecting weaker global demand and the impact of tariffs.
Domestic container traffic provided some relief, increasing 2.5% year-to-date, with Alaska volumes up 1.5% and Hawaii volumes rising 7.7%.
Operational Performance and Other Cargo Segments
Despite lower volumes, the gateway highlighted operational excellence through the launch of the Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award Program, which achieved 100% carrier participation in its first period. The Gemini Cooperation’s WC4 | TP5 service secured first place with zero void sailings and arrivals averaging eight hours ahead of schedule. The Premier Alliance’s PN3 service and Swire Shipping’s Westwood service placed second and third respectively.
Other cargo segments showed mixed performance. Breakbulk volumes grew 10.2% month-on-month, but were down 16.6% year-to-date due to high interest rates and tariffs. Auto volumes increased 2.6% month-on-month, yet remained 20.3% lower year-to-date, reflecting slower nationwide vehicle sales.
While November 2025 showed signs of short-term recovery from October levels, container volumes remain under pressure from tariffs, high inventories, and subdued consumer demand. Encouragingly, improved schedule reliability and growth in domestic trade point to operational resilience, even as international cargo and other freight segments continue to face headwinds heading into year-end.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: NWSA
