U.S. container imports dropped 7.5% in October 2025 due to tariff uncertainty and high inventory, with further declines expected into 2026.

U.S. container imports fell 7.5% year-over-year in October 2025, reaching 2.3 million TEUs, with shipments from China down 16.3% despite a 5.4% month-over-month increase. Declines were driven by importer caution amid tariff uncertainty, including a reduced fentanyl tariff and delayed reciprocal tariffs. Holiday inventory levels remain high, prompting forecasts of continued drops, with volumes expected to stay below 2 million TEUs through early 2026. The National Retail Federation projects 2025 imports at 24.9 million TEU, down from 2024, while holiday sales are expected to grow 3.7% to 4.2%.