U.S. container imports top 2.4 million TEUs for four straight months

The latest Global Shipping Report from Descartes reveals that U.S. container imports have exceeded 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for four straight months, a level that has historically placed strain on U.S. maritime logistics.

In October 2024, container imports to the U.S. totaled 2,494,635 TEUs, marking a slight one per cent drop from September’s total of 2,520,935 TEUs and only 2.4 per cent below this year’s peak of 2,556,180 TEUs in July.

In October, U.S. container imports from China reached 960,016 TEUs, making it the fifth month in 2024 with import volumes from China over 900,000 TEUs. This trend highlights the strength of U.S.-China trade in 2024, especially when compared to 2023, where monthly imports from China never reached the 900,000 TEU level. Since hitting a record 1,022,913 TEUs in July 2024, imports from China have decreased by 6.1 per cent in October, though they remain 8.3 per cent higher than in October of last year.

Historically, import volumes have risen from September to October in the past six years, partly because October has one extra day and lacks any major holidays. However, in October 2024, volumes declined slightly by one per cent from September. This minor drop could be linked to importers’ efforts to prepare for potential labour disruptions at East and Gulf Coast ports by front-loading shipments between August and September.

In October 2024, container imports at the top 10 U.S. ports saw a decline of 25,112 TEUs, or 1.2 per cent, compared to September 2024. The ports of Long Beach, Houston, and Tacoma recorded the largest gains, with increases of 30,222 TEUs, 7,327 TEUs, and 2,925 TEUs, respectively. Meanwhile, Los Angeles, Norfolk, and Charleston saw the most significant drops, with Los Angeles down 39,062 TEUs, Norfolk down 14,963 TEUs, and Charleston down 8,791 TEUs.

Container imports from China to the U.S. reached 960,016 TEUs in October 2024, a three per cent decline (28,534 TEUs) from September and 6.1 per cent below the July 2024 peak of 1,022,913 TEUs. Compared to last year, October imports from China rose by 8.3 per cent, reflecting an upward trend throughout 2024. The top two import categories in October remained consumer goods: HS-94 (Furniture, Bedding, etc.) and HS-95 (Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment, etc.). China represented 38.5 per cent of total U.S. container imports in October, down 0.7 per cent from September and three per cent below the peak of 41.5 per cent recorded in February 2022.

In October 2024, U.S. container import volumes from the top 10 countries of origin dropped by 36,450 TEUs, a two per cent decrease from September. Among these, Japan and India saw the largest increases, with Japan up by 11,841 TEUs and India by 5,141 TEUs. In contrast, China, South Korea, and Taiwan had the biggest declines, with drops of 29,409 TEUs, 7,807 TEUs and 7,443 TEUs, respectively.

For the fifth consecutive month, the leading five West Coast ports have captured a larger share of container imports than their East and Gulf Coast counterparts. In October, the West Coast’s share rose slightly from 45.7 per cent in September to 45.8 per cent, while East and Gulf Coast ports saw a slight decline from 39.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent. Overall, the top 10 ports maintained a steady dominance, with their combined share of total container imports barely shifting from 85.3 per cent in September to 85.2 per cent in October.

Descartes’ November logistics update highlights the continued robustness of container imports in 2024. However, U.S. importers may continue to face challenges amid ongoing USMX/ILA contract negotiations, increasing port delays, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is adding to global supply chain uncertainties. These factors are expected to contribute to supply chain volatility through the rest of the year.