An early seasonal surge in U.S. container import volume is coming to an end, according to research released on Friday. The Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates expects import volume at the nation’s major container ports to remain high this month before declining for the rest of 2026.
Shippers React
Freight forwarders, which arrange transportation for clients, backed the report’s assessment. “The front-loading wave has passed its peak,” said Ted Chen, director of ocean freight at Dimerco Express Group.
Retailers, which account for roughly half of U.S. container imports, are now adept at navigating supply-chain shocks, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers will be well stocked for the coming holiday season,” Gold said.
Data on July container import volume is expected in the coming days. The Global Port Tracker report expects August volume to fall 4.2% from a year earlier to 2.2 million 20-foot-equivalent units for seaports including Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey and Houston.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
