U.S. container imports increased by 8.2% in June compared to the previous year, according to a new report by supply chain technology provider Descartes Systems Group.
The rise was driven by buyers rushing to import goods to avoid possible new tariffs and increased transportation costs associated with the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran.
U.S. seaports handled 2,400,627 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month. For the first half of 2026, imports were down 0.3% compared to the same period in 2025, Descartes said.
Analysts note that many importers shipped cargo earlier to avoid the July 1 increase in ocean freight rates, which rose because container ship operators finally included higher fuel costs in their contracts, caused by the war in Iran.
Descartes noted that the U.S. is also expected to introduce new tariffs concerning forced labor by the end of July.
China contributed most to the year-over-year growth in imports. Volume from that country rose 27.4% year-over-year, reaching 814,474 TEUs in June, Descartes said.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
