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.

Read also: November 2024 U.S. Container Imports Show Softer Seasonal Decline

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.