U.S. container imports edged up 0.1% in August, according to the latest Global Port Tracker (GPT) report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. Ports handled 2.32 million TEUs, down 2.9% from July but slightly higher than last year.
Experts point to a frontloaded peak season and rising tariffs as key factors. “Retailers brought in merchandise early ahead of reciprocal tariffs,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy. Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, added, “Ongoing tariff volatility is creating economic uncertainty. Companies stocked up early, but as inventories shrink, the full inflationary impact will be felt.”
Looking ahead, monthly volumes are expected to fall below two million TEUs for the rest of the year. GPT forecasts September at 2.12 million TEUs, October at 1.97 million, and December at 1.72 million, the slowest month since March 2023.
The first half of 2025 totaled 12.53 million TEUs, up 3.7% year over year, while full-year projections show a slight decline to 24.79 million TEUs from 25.5 million in 2024.
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