U.S. container imports dip slightly in June: Descartes

U.S. container import volumes declined slightly in June as shipping activity followed typical seasonal patterns, according to the latest Global Shipping Report from Descartes Systems Group.

The report found U.S. container imports fell 1.2 per cent month over month to 2.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while remaining 8.2 per cent higher than June 2025. Imports during the first six months of 2026 were down 0.3 per cent from the same period last year but were 22.2 per cent above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Imports from the Top 10 countries of origin were largely unchanged in June, slipping 0.3 per cent from May. China-origin imports were essentially flat, declining 0.2 per cent following a strong rebound the previous month. Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong posted the largest gains, while Germany, India, South Korea, Italy and Thailand recorded the biggest declines.

The report also found port transit delays improved at most East and Gulf Coast gateways but nearly doubled at Los Angeles as volumes through the port increased 16.1 per cent.

“Over the first six months of the year, aggregated U.S. containerized imports showed little variance compared to the same period last year,” said Jackson Wood, director of industry strategy at Descartes. “However, as we head into the second half of 2026, global trade continues to face high levels of volatility from Middle East maritime risk, elevated tariff uncertainty, new Panama Canal draft restrictions and ongoing Red Sea disruption. For U.S. importers, sourcing diversification, landed cost visibility and risk mitigation remain key strategies to manage in this environment.”

Descartes said overall import volumes remain stable but geopolitical events, tariffs and shipping disruptions are expected to continue shaping supply chain decisions through the second half of 2026.