U.S. retailers are rushing to import goods this summer, capitalising on a 90-day tariff pause that followed a significant hike on Chinese imports. According to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, this temporary relief has triggered a sharp surge in cargo volumes at major American ports.
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The tariff pause reduces duties from 145% to 30% on Chinese goods and lasts until 12 August. A similar pause on reciprocal tariffs affecting other countries expires 9 July. This brief window is prompting retailers to bring in merchandise ahead of the back-to-school and winter holiday seasons.
'This is the busiest time of the year for retailers,' said Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy. 'Retailers are trying to secure affordable goods for consumers before tariff levels potentially rise again.'
Earlier, many importers had delayed or cancelled shipments due to the sudden tariff increase announced in April. The uncertainty around what follows the pauses is prompting NRF to urge further negotiations to ensure supply chain stability.
Hackett Associates' founder, Ben Hackett, noted that May saw a steep drop in imports, but forecasts suggest a recovery in June through August. However, he warned that import volumes could decline sharply in the final four months of 2025 if tariffs are reinstated.
April imports reached 2.21 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), up 9.6% year over year. May's estimated 1.91 million TEU would mark the first year-over-year drop since 2023. June is forecast at 2.01 million TEU, still 6.2% lower than last year, with steeper declines projected for September and October.
The first half of 2025 is now expected to total 12.54 million TEU, reflecting a modest 3.7% year-over-year increase.
Source: www.hfbusiness.com