As Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA) reported, U.S. container imports jumped to 2.62 million TEUs in July, according to Descartes Systems Group. That’s up 18.2% from June and 2.6% higher than July 2024.
Imports from China surged to 923,075 TEUs, a 44.4% increase from the previous month and the highest this year. West Coast ports kept their lead over East and Gulf Coast ports for the second month in a row.
Port delays ticked up only slightly despite the heavy volumes, showing that infrastructure held up well. Still, global supply chains face pressure from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies.
July’s numbers were just 555 TEUs short of the record set in May 2022. The rise follows the usual peak season pattern but also reflects possible tariff-driven frontloading by U.S. importers.
Compared to July 2019, volumes were up 19.3%. Year-to-date totals are 3.6% higher than the same period last year.
