The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates report that import cargo volume at major US container ports is expected to decline by 5.6% in 2025 compared to 2024. The Global Port Tracker forecast highlights the impact of newly enacted tariffs and shifting trade policies.
© Mr.siwabud Veerapaisarn | Dreamstime
NRF Vice President Jonathan Gold said tariffs are "beginning to drive up consumer prices" and warned that reduced imports will result in "fewer goods on store shelves," affecting especially small businesses. He called for "binding trade agreements that open markets by lowering tariffs, not raising them."
Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett noted the "hither-and-thither approach" to tariffs has created confusion for importers, exporters, and consumers. He added that imports surged earlier in the year as companies pulled forward shipments ahead of tariff deadlines, leading to expected steep declines in trade volumes from September through December.
Ports handled 1.96 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in June, a slight increase from May but down 8.4% year on year. Despite early-year growth, the full-year forecast predicts 24.1 million TEUs in 2025, down from 25.5 million in 2024. The report covers key US ports across the West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf Coast.
Source: www.hfbusiness.com
