ATLANTA, Georgia, April 9, 2026 -- Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released its April Global Shipping Report for logistics and supply chain professionals. In March 2026, U.S. container import volumes increased by 12.4% over February to 2,353,611 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). China-origin imports decreased 2.3% month-over-month and 6.7% year-over-year. Market share at East and Gulf Coast ports overtook West Coast ports for the first time since May 2025, and port transit delays remained stable overall. Tensions in the Middle East have significantly disrupted global shipping, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively restricted and rising threats to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait adding further risk to key maritime corridors. At the same time, U.S. tariff policy remains in flux and ongoing trade negotiations with the EU, India and China are also contributing to uncertainty. The April update of the logistics metrics monitored by Descartes suggests global supply chain planning remains centered on risk management and flexibility amid elevated volatility and unpredictability.
March U.S. container imports post strong seasonal rebound following February dip.
The fourth highest on record for the month, March imports were up 12.4% over February and down a slight 1.1% compared to March 2025 (see Figure 1). The rebound suggests typical seasonal patterns following February’s decline, with volumes reflecting steady demand despite ongoing policy and geopolitical uncertainty. Volumes remained significantly elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels, standing 32.3% above March 2019. Year-to-date imports trail 2025 levels by 4.8%.
Figure 1. U.S. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison
Source: Descartes Datamyne™
Top countries of origin (CoO) volumes rebound in March, with broad-based gains across key markets.
March U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO increased 8.2% month-over-month, representing a combined gain of 122,671 TEUs (see Figure 2). Italy recorded the largest volume increase, surging 74.5% (25,565 TEUs), followed by Thailand, up 25.6% (24,682 TEUs) and South Korea, up 31.0% (23,136 TEUs). Strong gains were also observed from Germany (39.8%), Vietnam (6.5%), Japan (28.6%) and India (14.5%). China was the only major sourcing country to post a notable decline, down 2.3% (16,910 TEUs) while Hong Kong also edged lower (1.5%). March results reflect a rebound in import volumes across most key sourcing markets, offsetting continued softness in China-origin shipments.
Figure 2. February 2026 to March 2026 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin
Source: Descartes Datamyne™
“While March import volumes remain near historically high levels and port operations continue to perform efficiently, escalating tensions in the Middle East, evolving U.S. tariff policy and shifting global trade dynamics are increasing volatility around routing, costs and sourcing decisions,” said Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy at Descartes. “To minimize global shipping challenges, importers are responding by diversifying sourcing beyond traditional trade lanes, recalibrating routing strategies in response to geopolitical risk, and leveraging data and technology to make faster, more informed decisions in an increasingly complex trade environment.”
Descartes began its global shipping analysis in August 2021. To read past monthly reports, learn more about the key economic and logistics factors driving global shipping, and review strategies to help address challenges in the near-, short-, and long-term, visit Descartes’ Global Shipping Resource Center.
About Descartes
Descartes powers more responsive, efficient, secure and sustainable international and domestic supply chains by uniting logistics-intensive businesses on its Global Logistics Network (GLN). Shippers, carriers, and logistics service providers connect and collaborate on the GLN leveraging technology, data and AI to manage last mile deliveries, domestic and international shipments, transportation rating and payment, global trade research, customs compliance and a variety of regulatory processes. Learn more about Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) at www.descartes.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X.
Global Media Contact
Cara Strohack
Tel: 226-750-8050
cstrohack@descartes.com
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