- US container imports fell 7.8% in November compared with last year, partly due to weak demand from China and one less shipping day.
- Imports from China dropped nearly 20%, dragging overall volumes downward.
- Despite the drop, November was the fourth-strongest on record, though importers remain cautious as trade policy uncertainty looms.
US seaports handled approximately 2.18 million TEUs in November 2025, a 7.8% decrease from the same month in 2024. The decline reflects seasonal factors, including a shorter holiday-month shipping window and a sharp drop in imports from China, which fell 19.7% year-over-year.
While the volume remains high by historical standards, the slump suggests importers are holding back amid economic and trade uncertainty.
Full-Year Imports Show Little Growth
Through the first 11 months of 2025, US container import volumes are only 0.1% above the same period in 2024, a big slowdown from nearly 10% growth earlier this year. This deceleration signals a shift toward more cautious ordering behavior across many sectors.
Some analysts tie the drop to broader economic weakness, but trade-policy instability may also be discouraging larger import volumes.
Tariffs and Policy Uncertainty Cloud Outlook
Market watchers note that ongoing tariff shifts and trade tensions have contributed to weaker cargo demand. Importers are concerned about rising costs and uncertain rules for 2026, which may suppress ordering and freight flows further.
Even as retailers prepare for a strong holiday season, many remain uncertain about demand outlooks and the impact of changing policy on global supply chains.
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Source: Reuters
