U.S. container port import volumes are now easing after an extended peak season, according to a Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. In August, tracked ports handled 2.3 million TEUs, a decline of 0.7% compared to the same month in 2025, though still marginally above July’s figures. The data suggests August may have been the busiest month of 2026, concluding a prolonged holiday shipping surge.
September’s figures remain unverified, but estimates project a drop to 2.28 million TEUs, an 8.2% year-over-year increase. October is forecast to reach 2.25 million TEUs, an 8.5% rise, while November and December are expected to settle at 2 million TEUs (a 1% decrease) and 2.02 million TEUs (a 0.6% gain), respectively. For the entire year, imports are projected at 25.8 million TEUs, up 1.4% from 2025’s 25.4 million. The first half of 2026 already recorded 12.7 million TEUs, a 1.1% increase over the same period in 2025.
This year’s prolonged peak season has smoothed out usual monthly fluctuations. Jonathan Gold, NRF’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy, noted that monthly volume differences now often amount to minor adjustments. He emphasized that consumers should find retail shelves well stocked for the holidays, as demand shifts toward final replenishments and preparations for early 2027.
Consumer spending remains robust despite economic conditions that show consumer confidence indexes sliding to multi-year lows. Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, noted that purchasing activity holds firm amid rising inflation, reflecting cautious yet stable spending habits.
The report includes data from key ports along the West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf Coast, such as Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, and Houston. Early 2027 projections show January volumes at 2.07 million TEUs (a 1.9% decline) and February at 1.92 million TEUs (a 1% rise).
