USA: H1 2026 Imports at 12.27M TEU, Down 2%

US container imports are projected at 12.27 million TEU in H1 2026, about 2% lower than 12.53 million TEU in H1 2025, reflecting ongoing tariff uncertainty.

December volumes stood at 1.99 million TEU, down 1.7% month-on-month and 6.6% year-on-year; full-year 2026 imports are estimated at 25.4 million TEU, slightly below 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

January 2026 is forecast at 2.11 million TEU (-5.2% YoY), February at 1.97 million TEU (-3.1%), March at 1.89 million TEU (-12%), and April at 2.05 million TEU (-7.1%).

A partial rebound is expected in May and June, with imports rising 9.3% and 8% YoY, mainly due to the weaker base after the April 2025 tariff impact.