U.S. Container Imports Near Record High As China Volumes Rebound and the Tariff Deadline Tightens
The latest report by Descartes shows that July U.S. container imports were near a record high as China volumes rebound and the tariff deadline tightens.
U.S. container imports surged to their 2nd-highest level on record in July 2025, reaching 2,621,910 TEUs - just 555 containers shy of the all-time high set in May 2022, according to Canada-based shipping logistics Descartes Systems Group.
The 18.2% month-over-month increase signals a dramatic shift in global shipping patterns as importers race against impending trade policy changes.
According to Descartes’ August Global Shipping Report released Monday, July’s import volumes were 2.6% higher than the same period last year.
The surge appears largely driven by importers frontloading shipments ahead of significant trade policy deadlines.
SOURCES
Descartes: July U.S. Container Imports Near Record High as China Volumes Rebound and Tariff Deadlines Tighten
https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/global-shipping-report-July-2025-US-imports-near-record-highGCaptain: U.S. Container Imports Surge to Near-Record Levels as Tariff Deadlines Loom
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