U.S. containerized imports surged to an all-time monthly high in July as shippers rushed to frontload cargo ahead of potential new tariffs, according to PIERS.
Total volumes hit 2.609 million TEUs, up 17.5% from June and surpassing the previous record set in May 2022. While China remained the top origin, U.S. importers accelerated shipments from other tariff-exposed regions, including Southern Europe and Southeast Asia.
The surge followed months of volatility linked to the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff measures and subsequent 90-day reprieves. After booking declines in May (down 5% year over year) and June (down 3%), shippers flooded the market in July to avoid higher duties. Despite the record month, year-to-date volumes through July were up just 5.4%, and the National Retail Federation projects imports could fall 5.6% in the second half of 2025 amid tariff-related economic uncertainty.
Imports from China rebounded sharply in July, climbing 36% from June to 1.228 million TEUs. Still, volumes from China were down 8% year over year, reflecting a gradual U.S. shift away from heavy reliance on Chinese sourcing.
Southeast Asia was the standout growth region, with volumes rising 24% year over year to a record 581,803 TEUs, surpassing the previous high set just one month earlier. Imports from the Indian subcontinent also hit a record 152,630 TEUs, up 21% year over year. Southern Europe posted a 7% gain to 155,587 TEUs, while Northern Europe was largely flat.
The Port of Los Angeles handled 542,940 TEUs of imports in July, a 10% year-over-year increase and its highest monthly total since August 2024. Executive Director Gene Seroka said July could represent the year’s peak season as importers move holiday goods earlier than usual to hedge against tariff uncertainty.
Houston saw the strongest annual growth among major U.S. gateways, with imports rising 18.5% to 184,418 TEUs. The increase was fueled by a 63% jump in volumes from Southeast Asia and nearly 10% growth from China.
Source: joc.com