Imports through major U.S. container ports declined in April, according to the latest Global Port Tracker (GPT) report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
The ports handled 2.05 million TEUs during the month. The figure fell 5.1% from March and 7.3% compared with April 2025.
The total excludes the Port of New York and New Jersey, which has not yet reported its April volumes.
Despite the decline, NRF expects imports to increase temporarily in May and June as retailers accelerate shipments ahead of potential tariff increases and higher fuel costs.
Imports through major U.S. container ports declined in April, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
The ports handled 2.05 million TEUs during the month. Volumes fell 5.1% from March and 7.3% from April 2025.
The figures exclude the Port of New York and New Jersey, which has not yet reported its April volumes.
NRF expects imports to rise temporarily in May and June.
Retailers are bringing cargo forward to avoid potential tariff increases and higher fuel costs.
Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, said higher costs and geopolitical uncertainty continue to affect import demand.
Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said June will benefit from an easier comparison with last year, when imports dropped after the introduction of new tariffs.
He added that rising shipping costs and tariff concerns continue to pressure supply chains.
Global Port Tracker forecasts imports of 2.14 million TEUs in May, up 9.7% year on year.
The report projects June volumes at 2.25 million TEUs.
Imports are expected to decline again during the second half of the year.
The report forecasts July volumes at 2.19 million TEUs, down 8.4% from a year earlier.
August volumes are expected to reach 2.12 million TEUs, down 8.6%.
September volumes are projected at 2.06 million TEUs, down 2.2%.
October imports are forecast at 2.08 million TEUs, largely unchanged from last year.
Despite weaker volumes later in the year, first-half imports are expected to total 12.6 million TEUs.
That would represent a 0.6% increase compared with the first half of 2025.
