According to a report from the Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA), U.S. container imports fell 6.4% year-on-year in May, as major ports handled approximately 1.95 million TEUs.
The data, based on the Global Port Tracker (GPT) compiled by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, suggests that container volumes will rebound in June to around 2.06 million TEUs, up 5.9% from May but still 3.7% below last year’s levels.
July imports are forecast to increase slightly to 2.36 million TEUs (up 2.1% YoY), before dropping sharply in the following months. August is projected to fall 10.4% YoY, September 19.9%, October 19.2%, and November 21.3%.
The expected decline is driven in part by the impact of newly reinstated tariffs, along with a high comparison base from late 2024, when importers accelerated shipments amid concerns over potential port labor disruptions on the East and Gulf Coasts.
Despite the short-term volatility, the first half of 2025 is projected to reach 12.63 million TEUs, up 4.5% year-on-year.
