U.S. Container Import Volumes Drop in May Led by Sharp Decline in Imports from China

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U.S. Container Import Volumes Drop in May Led by Sharp Decline in Imports from China

June 12th, 2025 Chris Jones, EVP of industry and services at Descartes Leave a comment

Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released its June Global Shipping Report for logistics and supply chain professionals. In May 2025, U.S. container import volumes dropped after several months of growth, falling 9.7% from April and 7.2% year-over-year. Imports from China declined by 20.8% over April—the steepest monthly decline since March 2020—and by 28.5% compared to May 2024. Port dynamics also shifted in May, with East and Gulf Coast ports gaining market share over West Coast ports that experienced the brunt of much lower China-origin volumes. Port delays remained steady across most major gateways, though Los Angeles and Long Beach experienced increases despite lower volumes.

U.S. container import volumes retreat as tariff impacts emerge.

May 2025 U.S. container import volumes declined to 2,177,453 TEUs—a 9.7% drop from April (see Figure 1). Historically a month of rising import volumes over April, May 2025 is the only year in the past seven to post a month-over-month decrease, apart from pandemic 2020 (8.2%). Compared to May 2024, volumes were down 7.2% but were 4.3% above May 2019, signaling that overall demand remains elevated versus pre-pandemic norms. Despite strong early-year performance, the May decline marks the first significant contraction reflecting the impact of tariff volatility and growing trade pressures. For the first five months of the year, total imports are up 5.3% compared to the same period in 2024, though the gap has narrowed.

Figure 1. U.S. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison

A graph of colorful lines and numbersAI-generated content may be incorrect. — Source: Descartes Datamyne™

U.S. imports from China fell to 637,001 TEUs in May 2025, a drop of 20.8% from April (804,122 TEUs) and 28.5% year-over-year. In addition, China’s share of total U.S. containerized imports fell to 29.3% in May, its lowest level in over two years. At the port level, China-origin imports declined sharply in May across nearly all major U.S. gateways (see Figure 2). Long Beach and Los Angeles experienced the steepest drops in volume, down 31.6% and 29.9%, respectively, over April.

Figure 2. April 2025 to May 2025 Comparison of Imports from China at Top U.S. Ports

“After several months of import growth and following a wave of frontloading of shipments in April, the impact of new tariffs began to materialize in May,” said Jackson Wood, at Descartes. “The effects of U.S. policy shifts with China are also now clearly visible in monthly trade flows. While the 90-day agreement between the two countries to lower tariffs may bring U.S. importers some short-term relief, China-origin imports may continue to soften in the months ahead as organizations continue to reassess sourcing strategies amid rising landed costs, and as changes to the U.S. de minimis regulation for low-value Chinese imports continues to add cost pressures to trade.”

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Surge in Ocean Container Rates on Trans-Pacific Routes

June 6th, 2025 IndexBox Leave a comment

The shipping industry is witnessing a remarkable surge in ocean container rates, particularly on the eastbound trans-Pacific route. According to a report by Xeneta, mid-high average spot rates for shipments from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast have skyrocketed by 88% since May 3, now standing at $6,100 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU). This dramatic increase highlights the eagerness of shippers to absorb higher costs to facilitate the movement of goods, spurred by the temporary U.S.-China reciprocal tariff pause.

On the Far East to U.S. West Coast route, average spot rates have climbed to $5,082 from $2,615 per FEU, reflecting a similar trend of rising costs. The North Europe to U.S. East Coast route has not been immune to these changes, with average spot rates increasing to $2,129 from $2,081 within a week.

Liner operators such as Cosco, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, and HMM have responded by increasing their spot rate charges, with some hikes reaching as high as $3,000 per FEU. By early June, mid-high spot rates from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast had surged by 67%, reaching $7,180 per FEU, as businesses rushed to expedite shipments amidst volatile trade conditions. Meanwhile, the Far East to U.S. West Coast rate stood at $6,100 per TEU.

These price dynamics extend beyond the trans-Pacific trade. The Far East to North Europe route has experienced a 32% rise in mid-high shipping rates since late May, now priced at $2,704 per FEU, despite a substantial four-week rolling average capacity of 346,000 TEUs as of June 5. This capacity level surpasses even the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic shipping rush.

Xeneta Chief Analyst Peter Sand commented, “The 88% increase in market mid-high spot rates on the trans-Pacific trade shows shippers are so concerned about getting goods moving again during the 90-day window of opportunity of lower tariffs that they are willing to pay more.” Sand anticipates this spike in rates to be temporary, with capacity returning to the trans-Pacific route and supply chains gradually recovering, leading to a decrease in pricing pressures.

These fluctuations have ripple effects on other trade routes like the Far East to North Europe. Although indirectly impacted by the U.S.-China tariff situation, this route feels the repercussions of global supply chain uncertainties. Sand noted, “What happens in one region can quickly ripple across global supply chains,” highlighting the interconnected nature of global trade and the potential for increased capacity pressure alongside geopolitical unpredictability to influence spot rates even in distant markets.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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U.S. Container Imports Approach Record Levels Amid Trade Tensions

March 11th, 2025 IndexBox Leave a comment

U.S. container import volumes surged by 4.7% year-on-year as of February, as noted by Reuters. The increase brought the total to over 2.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking the second highest February volume on record. Despite the rise, future projections suggest a cooling trend as trade frictions with China and other key partners intensify.

Notably, imports from China rose by 7.9%, driven by consumer spending and pre-emptive imports ahead of potential tariff increases. Given the logistics of U.S. trade routes, these tariffs predominantly impact ocean-borne goods, with goods from Mexico and Canada primarily transported via land routes.

Industry experts from Descartes highlight the growing complexity in global trade conditions amid new U.S. tariffs and trade tension escalations. Recently, the U.S. has raised existing tariffs on Chinese goods, compounded by further tariffs forecasted for April 2, including non-tariff measures to address trade imbalances.

Parallel to these developments, Chinese export data indicates a slowdown in momentum, affected by reduced U.S. front-loading and domestic factory closures during the Lunar New Year.

In retaliation, China has imposed additional tariffs on select U.S. imports, while formally challenging U.S. tariff policies before the World Trade Organization.

Information from IndexBox suggests that these geopolitical tensions may influence subsequent trade volumes, as stakeholders closely monitor evolving tariff policies and international responses.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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Port of Long Beach Sets Record-Breaking January as Shippers Race to Beat Tariffs

February 14th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The Port of Long Beach kicked off the year with its highest January cargo volume ever, driven by a surge in shipments ahead of expected tariffs on Chinese, Mexican, and Canadian goods. The port processed 952,733 TEUs, marking a 41.4% increase from the previous year and securing its second-highest monthly total on record.

Import Surge Fuels Growth

Imports led the charge, jumping 45% to 471,649 TEUs, while exports climbed 14% to 98,655 TEUs. Empty container movements also saw a sharp rise, up 45.9% to 382,430 TEUs.

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero credited the strong performance to industry collaboration, stating, “It’s encouraging to start the year on such a high note. We remain committed to enhancing our competitiveness and sustainability amid evolving supply chain challenges.”

Sustained Momentum in 2024

January’s growth marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year cargo volume increases. This momentum follows a record-breaking 2024, where the port moved 9.65 million TEUs—a 20.3% increase from 2023—surpassing its previous all-time record set in 2021.

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal praised the port’s role as a key trans-Pacific gateway, attributing its success to longshore workers, terminal operators, and logistics partners.

With global trade uncertainties ahead, the Port of Long Beach remains a crucial hub for shippers navigating an evolving economic landscape.

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U.S. Port Traffic Surges as Container Imports Hit 15-Month Growth Streak

January 31st, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The nation’s ten largest ports saw a 14.2% year-over-year increase in inbound container volumes in December, marking the fifteenth consecutive month of growth, according to the latest analysis by shipping expert John McCown.

“This sustained surge follows 15 straight months of double-digit declines compared to the pandemic-driven volume spikes,” McCown notes in his report.

For the full year 2024, inbound container volumes grew by 15.2% over 2023, the second-highest annual increase on record, trailing only 2021’s 17.5% rise. In contrast, outbound load growth lagged at just 4.4%.

Comparing current figures to pre-pandemic levels, McCown highlights that December 2024’s inbound volumes were 24.2% higher than December 2019, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%—outpacing the historical 3.8% CAGR from 2010 to 2020.

“This data suggests a resilient U.S. economy, outperforming global trends based on the movement of tangible goods,” the report states. McCown also challenges claims that the surge is driven by front-loading, calling such assertions anecdotal and unsupported by data.

Looking ahead, McCown projects long-term annual container volume growth at 2.7%. While slower than past trends, he believes container shipping will remain dominant due to economies of scale achieved by modern mega-vessels.

“Container shipping’s efficiency advantage is often overlooked. Even at a 2.7% growth rate, volumes will double in 26 years—a crucial consideration for port planners,” McCown adds.

Despite strong inbound numbers, December saw a reversal in outbound container growth, which turned negative after two months of gains. This continued decline in exports underscores the ongoing imbalance in U.S. maritime trade.

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Container Spot Rates Plunge as Suez Reopening and Lunar New Year Drive Market Volatility

January 26th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Container spot freight rates experienced sharp declines this week, driven by a combination of Lunar New Year celebrations in China and the resumption of Suez Canal transits following the recent Hamas-Israel ceasefire. These developments are shaking up the market and amplifying volatility across key trade lanes.

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) recorded significant drops, with transpacific spot rates on the Shanghai-Los Angeles route falling 8% to $4,813 per 40ft, while the Shanghai-New York route saw a 7% decrease, closing at $6,377 per 40ft. Meanwhile, Xeneta’s XSI transpacific index dropped by 3%, landing at $5,162 per 40ft.

However, the most dramatic rate cuts occurred on Asia-Europe trades, where fears of a brewing rate war have materialized. The WCI’s Shanghai-Rotterdam route plummeted 19% week-on-week to $3,434 per 40ft—a 31% year-on-year decline. Similarly, the Shanghai-Genoa leg dropped 10%, finishing at $4,562 per 40ft.

Reports of even steeper discounts emerged, with some Chinese forwarders quoting rates as low as $2,300 per 40ft to UK ports, undercutting market indices by as much as $1,000 per container.

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), which tracks forward-looking rate quotes, also posted declines. While the SCFI reflected milder drops—losing 6% on Shanghai-North Europe routes—analysts expect the coming weeks to remain quiet due to the Lunar New Year lull and transitional impacts of the ceasefire.

The Suez Canal reopening is poised to have the most significant impact. Sea-Intelligence CEO Alan Murphy warned that resuming Suez transits could trigger an overcapacity crisis, undermining the elevated freight rates bolstered by rerouted services around Africa during the Red Sea crisis.

“If carriers resume Suez routings, rates are going to tank,” Murphy stated. “The high rates were artificially sustained by the capacity constraints from the longer African detours. A return to Suez could restore the supply-demand balance to late-2023 levels.”

Short-term disruptions are also anticipated, as Freightos head analyst Judah Levine noted. The transition to shorter Suez routes could lead to schedule adjustments and vessel congestion in European and Asian ports, potentially causing temporary rate spikes.

However, over the longer term, Murphy predicts a steep decline in rates. “Carriers have historically struggled to manage a soft landing. Once the Suez route reopens fully, we’re likely to see rates dive back toward 2023’s lows—potentially sub-economic levels below $1,000 per 40ft.”

With spot rates from Asia to North Europe having already hovered near loss-making thresholds last year, the resumption of Suez transits marks a critical inflection point for the container shipping market, testing the resilience of carriers in navigating turbulent waters ahead.

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DP World Surpasses 100 Million TEU Milestone, Driving Global Trade Growth

January 13th, 2025 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Global logistics leader DP World has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 100 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in container handling capacity across its worldwide operations. This achievement highlights the company’s strategic investments of over $11 billion in infrastructure and development over the past decade.

Over the last 10 years, DP World has increased its capacity by 33%, driven by expansions, greenfield projects, and acquisitions. Starting with 75.6 million TEUs in 2014, the company’s sustained investments have modernized infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of the global supply chain.

In the past year alone, DP World reported a 5% increase in its gross container handling capacity, reinforcing its position with a 9.2% share of the global container market.

“Crossing the 100 million TEU mark is a momentous milestone in our journey, which began 45 years ago,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. “As global trade grows, we remain committed to servicing its demands with our decades of experience and deep understanding of the complexities of global supply chains.”

Tiemen Meester, COO of Ports & Terminals at DP World, emphasized the broader impact of the achievement: “This milestone is not just about the numbers. It represents the flow of global trade and the opportunities created in the markets we serve.”

In addition to this achievement, DP World recently marked a key operational success in October 2024, when it and NLC carried over 1,000 containers on the first direct shipping route between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

These accomplishments underscore DP World’s commitment to innovation, capacity growth, and its pivotal role in enabling global trade.

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U.S. Container Imports See Historic Growth Streak Amid Coastal Shifts

December 26th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

U.S. container imports marked their fourteenth consecutive month of growth in November, with inbound volumes rising 13.1% year-over-year across the nation’s top ten ports, according to a report by industry expert John McCown. This growth streak represents one of the strongest periods in container shipping history outside the pandemic surge.

Record-Breaking Momentum

November saw total inbound volumes reach 2,033,620 TEUs, a significant increase from October’s 9.7% rise, though still 11.1% below the all-time high of May 2022. McCown noted that the trailing twelve-month growth of 14.7% ranks among the highest ever recorded, excluding the pandemic era.

“We are unquestionably seeing unusually strong and consistent volume growth,” said McCown.

The value of containerized goods passing through all U.S. ports hit $185.3 billion in November, highlighting the robust demand driving this growth.

Coastal Realignment

McCown’s analysis points to a notable shift in port activity, with West Coast ports outperforming their East and Gulf Coast counterparts in 14 of the last 16 months. This westward trend intensified following a three-day strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in October, which ended with a temporary contract extension until January 2025.

West Coast ports reported a 20.2% year-over-year increase in November, far outpacing the 6.0% growth at East and Gulf Coast ports. The West Coast’s performance is now 10.1% above its 52-month average, while East/Gulf Coast ports lag 3.4% below their average.

Navigating Challenges

Despite concerns over inventory levels and supply chain disruptions, McCown noted minimal evidence of forward-shipping impacts in Census data. However, the ongoing coastal shift continues to reshape the dynamics of U.S. container traffic.

As the industry monitors labor disputes and infrastructure upgrades, this sustained import surge positions U.S. ports to capitalize on evolving trade patterns and rising demand.

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Xeneta Forecasts Another Tough Year for Container Shipping as Geopolitical Tensions Rise

November 4th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The 2025 Ocean Outlook report from Xeneta signals a challenging year ahead for container shipping, warning of heightened geopolitical risks that could disrupt global supply chains. “The lights are flashing red on the geopolitical dashboard, and it would be foolish to ignore them,” Xeneta cautions.

If 2024 was marked by conflict in the Red Sea, similar threats could persist in 2025, with no sign of stability that would allow the safe return of container vessels to the region. Detours around Africa have stretched TEU-mile demand, and while new ships and slower growth in TEU volume may help ease some pressure, they won’t compensate for another major disruption. Geopolitical concerns range from the possibility of conflict escalation in the Taiwan Strait to potential unrest in Bangladesh and worsening conditions in the Middle East, particularly around the Persian Gulf.

Key Market Trends in 2025

Xeneta notes that spot rates have softened from their July peak as the long-term market trends upward. This narrowing gap between spot and long-term rates will be critical as contract negotiations for 2025 approach. While shippers hope for further narrowing, carriers aim to keep spot rates elevated to secure favorable terms.

Demand for container shipping is projected to grow by three percent in 2025, down slightly from the 4-5 percent growth in 2024, which will break the 180 million TEU mark. Trade from China to Mexico, however, continues to soar, driven by tensions between China and the U.S. and Mexico’s role as a “backdoor” for avoiding U.S. tariffs. Year-to-date, TEU demand between China and Mexico has surged 22.1 percent compared to 2023, following a 34.6 percent jump in 2023. Demand is also up between China and the Middle East, where volumes have risen 52 percent since 2021.

Influence of U.S. Elections and Shifting Alliances

The 2024 U.S. Presidential election could reshape the container shipping landscape, with potential new tariffs on Chinese imports prompting shippers to reconsider supply chain routes and possibly increase imports from Mexico. “2024 saw heavy frontloading of cargoes and extended sailing distances, which could change in 2025, presenting a risk to demand unless conditions become even more volatile,” says Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta.

Shifts in shipping alliances will impact network choices in 2025, with OCEAN Alliance, Gemini, and Premier Alliance all adjusting routes and port calls. For instance, MSC is expected to dominate Far East–Antwerp routes with four weekly calls, compared to one from Premier Alliance and none from Gemini. Shippers may need to reassess their carrier choices based on cost, reliability, and port access, and Sand advises them to keep options open and hold carriers accountable for service quality.

After a turbulent 2024, shippers are hoping for smoother seas in 2025. However, Xeneta urges caution, warning them to stay prepared for further disruptions and challenges in the year ahead.

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Container Trading and Leasing Rates Decline in China ahead of the Golden Week

September 25th, 2024 Container xChange Leave a comment

This month’s China market update is packed with developments that could potentially disrupt supply chains both within China and from China to key markets like the U.S. and Europe.

Typhoons slow down berthing times and container operations in key chinese ports

Last week, China experienced its worst typhoon in 75 years, making landfall on the east coast.

Hapag-Lloyd reports that ships are now facing delays of 36-60 hours to berth in Shanghai, while Ningbo faces waiting times of 24-48 hours. This bottleneck is expected to worsen as Typhoon Pulasan approaches, potentially exacerbating the already strained situation.

Several ports in Ningbo and Shanghai have announced the suspension of container operations.

East coast labor strikes affecting U.S.-bound shipments

On the U.S. front, the ongoing threat of labor strikes at East Coast ports has created uncertainty. These strikes are expected to affect operations at the ports in the east coast. This has led to an acceleration in orders over the past two to three months, with businesses pulling forward shipments to mitigate potential delays.

“In light of the recent robust U.S. economic growth, particularly in consumer spending (expected to rise 2.4% in 2024), businesses have been pulling forward shipments to mitigate potential delays. This consumer demand, coupled with a projected 3.8% increase in imports in 2024, represents the significance of timely shipping from China.” shared Christian Roeloffs, cofounder and CEO of Container xChange, an online global container trading and leasing marketplace based in Hamburg, Germany.

Golden week approaching; another factor for slowdown

Our regular surveys indicate that demand for U.S.-bound shipments from China remains strong, especially with Golden Week looming. Golden Week, starting October 1, traditionally causes a temporary slowdown in logistics activities across China, with a noticeable dip lasting between seven and ten days.

With these events in combination—the U.S. labor strikes, upcoming Golden Week, and port suspensions—the China-to-U.S. shipping route is set to be volatile and uncertain over the next 20 days.

Container market conditions in China: Softening demand and container prices

Despite these uncertainties, there is no significant congestion or market tightening within China itself. Several customers have reported a drop in container prices and lower COC (Carrier-Owned Container) rates, suggesting a softening demand for exports from China.

Average container prices on a downward trend

As of September 2024, average container prices in China have maintained their downward trajectory, with declines accelerating ahead of the Golden Week holidays. This drop reflects a broader reduction in demand for container shipments.

Prices have fallen by 25% year over year, from $3,012 in September 2023 to $2,525 in September 2024. This year, container prices peaked at $2,603 in July 2024 and have been decreasing for two consecutive months.

Chart 1: Average container price chart in China

Leasing rates decline for the second month

Overall, China to US average one-way container leasing rates dropped by 35% from $1221 in the first week of August 2024, to $787 as on 23 September 2024.

Chart 2: Average one-way container leasing rates drop by 35% from Aug -Sep’24

Average one-way leasing rates for containers from Shanghai to Los Angeles have fallen for the second consecutive month. Rates dropped from $1,149 in July to $786 in August, and to $732 as of mid-September. Despite this decline, current rates remain elevated compared to the same period in 2023, when rates were $479. We anticipate these prices to stay relatively high through the rest of the year due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. East Coast strikes and the broader economic climate.

Chart 3: Average one-way container leasing rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles: July–September 2024

Industry insights and market outlook

The current challenge in the China market is the low Carrier-Owned Container (COC) rates, making it harder to send units to the U.S. This is compounded by high Pickup Charges (PUC), which have resulted in fewer Shipper-Owned Containers (SOC) reaching the U.S. Consequently, we might see rising prices for U.S.-bound shipments.

Container leasing demand is expected to slow as Golden Week approaches. Much of the Christmas and Black Friday inventory has already been shipped, with deliveries typically taking 30 to 60 days. Despite the ongoing challenges, there are no major reports of port congestion in China, though general trade volumes are declining, indicating a tougher economic environment. At present, securing containers is not an issue, though this may change as market conditions evolve.

U.S. Container Import Volumes Drop in May Led by Sharp Decline in Imports from China

U.S. container import volumes retreat as tariff impacts emerge.

Import Surge Fuels Growth

Sustained Momentum in 2024

Key Market Trends in 2025

Influence of U.S. Elections and Shifting Alliances

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