U.S. container imports hit record September volume

U.S. containerized imports reached a record 2.55 million TEUs in September, despite a slight decline from August, according to the latest Global Shipping Report from Descartes Datamyne.

The report found imports totaled 2,546,261 twenty-foot equivalent units in September, down 2.2 per cent from August but up 10.3 per cent year-over-year. It was the highest September volume on record and 24.8 per cent above September 2019 levels.

Imports from China rose 4.5 per cent month-over-month to 924,454 TEUs and were up 21.2 per cent compared with September 2025. China accounted for 36.3 per cent of total U.S. container imports during the month.

According to the report, volumes at the top 10 U.S. ports declined 0.9 per cent from August, but West Coast gateways gained market share. Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and Tacoma all posted increases, while Houston, Savannah, New York/Newark, Norfolk and Charleston recorded declines.

The report also found transit delays increased at eight of the top 10 U.S. ports. New York/New Jersey recorded the largest rise, increasing 1.5 days to 8.3 days, while Houston rose 1.4 days to 7.2 days.

Gulf Coast imports fell 14.8 per cent in September to 215,324 TEUs, dropping below their 12-month average.

Descartes said ongoing maritime security concerns in the Middle East, evolving U.S. tariff measures, changing Panama Canal transit conditions and selective resumptions of Suez Canal services remain key factors affecting global shipping networks.