May U.S. Containerized Imports Rise on Seasonal Demand Amid Growing Trade Uncertainty

In May 2026, U.S. containerized imports totaled 2,428,758 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), increasing 6.6% from April and 11.5% year-over-year. The month-over-month gain aligns with the seasonal growth pattern typically observed in May, signaling stronger import demand following April’s slowdown. Year-to-date, imports are down 1.9% compared to the same period in 2025 and up 16.4% compared to the same period in 2019. 

China-origin imports rebounded sharply to 816,197 TEUs, rising 19.9% month-over-month and 28.1% year-over-year. China’s share of total U.S. containerized imports increased to 33.6%, up from 29.9% in April, though volumes remain 20.2% below the July 2024 peak. Imports from the top 10 countries of origin (CoO) also strengthened, increasing 8.2% from April and 15.3% year-over-year, led by China and supported by gains from several other major sourcing markets. 

At the same time, the global trade environment remains highly uncertain. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued Red Sea instability are sustaining pressure on global shipping routes and energy costs. Meanwhile, new U.S. tariff proposals and ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions are adding complexity to sourcing and cost-management decisions. Together, these factors point to continued geopolitical, policy, and supply chain risk. 

U.S. containerized imports reached 2,428,758 TEUs in May 2026, increasing 6.6% from April and 11.5% compared to May 2025 (see Figure 1). The month-over-month increase aligns with the seasonal growth pattern typically observed in May, signaling stronger import demand following April’s slowdown. 

Figure 1: U.S. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Since 2016, May import volumes have exceeded April levels in all but two years: 2020 and 2025 (see Figure 2). For the first five months of the year, volumes are down 1.9% compared to the same period in 2025 and up 16.4% compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019. 

Figure 2: April to May U.S. Container Import Volume Comparison

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Container volumes across the top 10 U.S. ports increased by 134,914 TEUs in May 2026, a 7.0% month-over-month gain, with eight of the ten major gateways posting higher volumes compared to April (see Figure 3). Savannah recorded the largest volume increase, rising 17.0% (37,077 TEUs), followed by New York/Newark, up 10.8% (32,631 TEUs), and Houston, which increased 18.2% (29,902 TEUs). Other notable gains were reported at Norfolk (15.3%), New York (15.2%), Charleston (9.6%), Oakland (4.3%), and Long Beach (3.9%). In contrast, Los Angeles and Tacoma were the only ports to post declines, declining 3.2% (14,622 TEUs) and 2.6% (1,604 TEUs), respectively. The widespread gains across ports suggest a broad recovery in import activity following April’s modest slowdown. 

Figure 3: April 2026 to May 2026 Comparison of Import Volumes at Top 10 U.S. Ports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

U.S. containerized imports from China totaled 816,197 TEUs in May 2026. After several months of subdued performance, volumes increased 19.9% month-over-month and 28.1% compared to May 2025 (see Figure 4). China’s share of total U.S. containerized imports rose to 33.6%, up 3.7 percentage points from April’s 29.9%. Despite the strong rebound, May volumes remained 20.2% below the July 2024 peak of 1,022,913 TEUs, indicating that imports from China remain well below historic highs as importers continue to adjust sourcing strategies amid ongoing trade tensions. 

China’s import mix remained led by plastics (HS-39) and furniture and bedding (HS-94), which accounted for 15.7% and 15.1% of May volume, respectively. Machinery (HS-84) and electrical machinery (HS-85) represented a combined 18.4% of imports, highlighting the continued importance of industrial goods. Consumer-oriented categories also remained significant, with toys and sporting goods (HS-95) accounting for 6.4% of volume, while apparel, textiles, and footwear categories collectively contributed 8.1%. Overall, May’s rebound in China-origin imports was supported by broad-based demand across both consumer and industrial segments. 

Figure 4: May 2025–May 2026 Comparison of U.S. Total and Chinese TEU Container Volume Relative to Chinese Import Record

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In May 2026, U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO increased 8.2% month-over-month, representing a combined gain of 129,528 TEUs (see Figure 5). China drove the increase, with volumes rising 135,419 TEUs (19.9%), followed by India, up 20,158 TEUs (22.2%), Vietnam, up 16,035 TEUs (6.3%), and Hong Kong, up 10,164 TEUs (15.9%). Germany and Italy also posted modest gains. Offsetting some of the growth, declines were recorded in Thailand, down 27,040 TEUs (19.1%), Japan, down 15,438 TEUs (23.9%), Indonesia, down 10,868 TEUs (16.8%), and South Korea, which decreased 5,382 TEUs (5.3%). Overall, May's increase was driven primarily by a strong rebound in imports from China, with growth supported by several other major sourcing markets. 

Figure 5: April 2026 to May 2026 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In May 2026, U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO increased 15.3% year-over-year, representing a combined gain of 227,258 TEUs (see Figure 6). The growth was driven primarily by China, where volumes rose 28.1% (179,196 TEUs), along with strong gains from Hong Kong (40.1%), Thailand (24.9%), Indonesia (13.0%), and Vietnam (6.4%). Additional increases were recorded for Italy and Germany. Other countries offset some of the growth, with lower year-over-year imports from South Korea (10.6%), Japan (10.1%), and India (7.1%). Overall, May results reflect strong import activity across major sourcing markets.  

Figure 6: May 2025 to May 2026 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

Major U.S. ports captured a larger share of total U.S. containerized import volumes in May. East and Gulf Coast ports accounted for 44.8% of total U.S. containerized imports, up from 39.2% in April, while West Coast ports increased their share slightly to 45.1%, compared to 44.6% the previous month (see Figure 7). As a result, the top 10 U.S. ports handled 89.9% of total imports in May, up from 83.9% in April and the highest share recorded since March 2023, when the top 10 ports accounted for 90.7% of total imports. The results suggest import volumes were increasingly concentrated among the nation's largest gateways, with both East/Gulf Coast and West Coast ports benefiting from stronger import activity. 

Figure 7: Volume Analysis for Top Ports, West Coast Ports and East and Gulf Coast Ports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

In May 2026, port transit delays were mixed across major U.S. gateways, though overall performance remained stable (see Figure 8). The most notable change occurred at Long Beach, where delays fell sharply from 7.3 days in April to 2.2 days in May, effectively reversing the temporary spike observed in the previous month. On the West Coast, Los Angeles experienced a modest increase from 2.6 to 2.9 days, while Oakland rose from 3.8 to 4.1 days. Tacoma and Seattle were unchanged at 3.0 and 4.3 days, respectively. Across the East and Gulf Coast, results were also mixed. New York/New Jersey improved from 6.1 to 5.8 days, Norfolk declined from 5.6 to 4.4 days, and Houston improved from 5.0 to 4.1 days. Charleston remained steady at 4.4 days, while Savannah increased slightly from 4.6 to 5.0 days. Overall, May transit times suggest stable port operations across major U.S. gateways, with the sharp improvement at Long Beach indicating that April’s elevated delays were temporary and did not develop into broader congestion.  

Figure 8: Monthly Average Transit Delays (in days) for the Top 10 Ports (Mar – May 2026) 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Note: Descartes’ definition of port transit delay is the difference as measured in days between the Estimated Arrival Date, which is initially declared on the bill of lading, and the date when Descartes receives the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processed bill of lading data.

Gulf Coast container imports rebounded in May 2026, totaling 257,564 TEUs, a 14.8% increase from April (see Figure 9). The gain more than offset April’s decline and pushed volumes 15.6% above the rolling 12-month average of 222,787 TEUs, indicating that import activity strengthened significantly relative to recent trend levels. May also marked the second-highest monthly Gulf Coast import volume on record, trailing only November 2024 (261,523 TEUs). The strong performance suggests renewed momentum across Gulf Coast ports and the region’s growing role in U.S. containerized trade. 

Figure 9: April 2025 to May 2026 U.S. Gulf Coast Container Imports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to normal commercial shipping following renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran and growing concerns that the April ceasefire is breaking down. Recent military exchanges, including missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, have raised doubts about the durability of ongoing diplomatic efforts and reduced expectations for a near-term return to normal shipping operations. Reports indicate that vessel traffic through the Strait remains far below historical levels, with many carriers continuing to avoid the region altogether. 

The implications for global maritime trade remain significant. The Strait of Hormuz normally handles roughly 20% of global oil flows and serves as a critical gateway for petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and other industrial commodities. Continued disruption is contributing to higher energy costs, elevated war-risk insurance premiums, vessel rerouting, and freight-rate volatility across multiple shipping sectors. The closure is also compounding ongoing Red Sea security concerns, limiting available capacity and increasing transportation costs across global trade networks. 

For U.S. trade, exposure remains concentrated in energy, fertilizer, aluminum, and other industrial inputs sourced through the Persian Gulf. While these commodities represent a relatively small share of total containerized imports, disruptions can create downstream impacts across manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and consumer goods supply chains.  

The outlook remains highly uncertain. With ceasefire negotiations stalled, military activity continuing, and shipping traffic still operating well below normal levels, the risk of sustained disruption to global maritime trade remains elevated. Shippers should continue monitoring developments closely as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most significant geopolitical risks affecting global supply chains in 2026. 

New U.S. tariff proposals may introduce additional uncertainty into global trade flows and sourcing strategies. Following a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) investigation that found many major trading partners had failed to adequately prohibit or enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labor, tariffs of 10% to 12.5% were proposed on imports from approximately 60 countries. The administration argues that weak enforcement allows lower-cost goods linked to forced labor to enter global supply chains, creating an unfair competitive disadvantage for U.S. manufacturers and workers. While the measures have not yet taken effect, they could prompt importers to accelerate shipments ahead of implementation and further diversify sourcing strategies, creating short-term volatility in containerized trade volumes and transportation demand.  

U.S.–China trade tensions remain elevated despite renewed engagement. 

Trade discussions between the U.S. and China continued this month, but tensions remain high following the proposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 countries, including China. The announcement adds a new layer of uncertainty to an already fragile trade relationship, despite ongoing diplomatic engagement and efforts to stabilize economic ties. For global supply chains, the combination of continued tariff pressure, unresolved trade disputes, and evolving sourcing strategies is likely to sustain uncertainty around procurement decisions, trade flows, and transportation demand in the months ahead.  

Tariff refund process faces renewed uncertainty as administration appeals court order. 

The administration has appealed portions of a federal court order that expanded eligibility for refunds on invalidated International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs, creating new uncertainty for importers seeking reimbursement. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already issued more than $20 billion in refunds and accepted claims totaling approximately $85 billion, the appeal could delay or limit future payments, particularly for importers that did not participate in the original lawsuits. For importers and supply chain operators, the dispute prolongs uncertainty around tariff recovery timelines and future trade costs, even as replacement tariffs remain in effect.  

In May 2026, U.S. container imports totaled 2.43M TEUs, up 6.6% from April and 11.5% year-over-year. The increase aligns with the seasonal growth pattern typically observed in May and represents a rebound from April's slowdown. China-origin imports rose sharply to 816,197 TEUs, increasing 19.9% month-over-month and 28.1% year-over-year, although volumes remain 20.2% below the July 2024 peak. Imports from the top 10 countries of origin increased 8.2% from April and 15.3% year-over-year, led by strong growth from China and several other major sourcing markets. Looking ahead, global trade conditions remain influenced by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, evolving U.S. tariff policies, and ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions. Together, these factors are likely to keep supply chain strategies focused on flexibility, diversification, and risk mitigation throughout 2026. 

Here’s what Descartes is monitoring in the months ahead: 

• Middle East conflict and maritime security risk. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed following renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran, while continued security concerns in the Red Sea are compounding pressure on global trade routes. As a critical corridor for global energy shipments and industrial commodities, prolonged disruption in Hormuz poses ongoing risks to supply chains, particularly for energy, fertilizer, and manufacturing-related imports. 
• Expanded tariffs and other potential 'protectionist' trade policies. Trade policy remains a significant source of uncertainty for importers, including the administration’s proposed new tariffs on imports from approximately 60 countries as well as the appeal of portions of a court order expanding eligibility for refunds on invalidated IEEPA tariffs. At the same time, U.S.–China trade discussions continue but tensions remain elevated as both countries navigate unresolved trade disputes. Together, these developments are likely to influence sourcing decisions, trade flows, and transportation demand as importers continue to adapt to a rapidly evolving trade environment. 
• Port transit wait times. If they decrease, it's an indication of improved global supply chain efficiencies or that the demand for goods and logistics services is declining. May transit times remained relatively stable across major U.S. gateways, with no signs of widespread congestion. Long Beach was the most notable mover, as delays fell sharply from April's elevated levels and returned to normal ranges, while most other tracked ports experienced only modest changes month-over-month. 
• The economy. The U.S. is an import-driven economy, so economic health is an important indicator of container import volumes. The Federal Reserve held the federal funds target range steady at 3.50%–3.75% at its April 29 meeting, while noting that future policy will depend on inflation, labor-market conditions, inflation expectations, and international developments. U.S. GDP grew at a 2.0% annualized rate in Q1 2026, rebounding from 0.5% in Q4 2025, but inflation and energy-price risks remain important watchpoints for import demand. 

May 2026 import volumes increased in line with historical seasonal patterns, rebounding from April’s slowdown and posting strong year-over-year growth. Containerized imports from China and other major sourcing markets also strengthened, while major U.S. ports captured their highest share of import volumes since March 2023. Despite the positive import trends, the global trade environment remains highly uncertain. Ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, new U.S. tariff proposals, and continued U.S.–China trade tensions are creating additional complexity for importers navigating sourcing, transportation, and cost-management decisions. Descartes continues to monitor these developments through Descartes Datamyne™, government releases, and industry intelligence to help organizations anticipate disruption, manage risk, and build more resilient supply chains in an increasingly volatile global trade environment. 

Short-term:

• Monitor developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping traffic remains significantly disrupted amid renewed U.S.–Iran tensions. Continued carrier avoidance, elevated war-risk insurance premiums, and vessel rerouting could further impact transit times, freight rates, and energy-related supply chains. 
• Track the administration's proposed tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 countries, as importers may accelerate shipments or adjust sourcing strategies ahead of any implementation. 
• Monitor ongoing litigation surrounding IEEPA tariff refunds, as the administration's appeal could delay or limit future reimbursements for some importers. 
• Watch for further developments in U.S.–China trade relations, where ongoing negotiations continue alongside elevated tariff and trade policy uncertainty. 

Near-term:

• Assess the impact of evolving U.S. trade policy, including potential implementation of new forced-labor–related tariffs and any changes to existing tariff programs that may affect sourcing decisions and landed costs. 
• Monitor secondary effects of sustained Middle East disruptions on global shipping capacity, schedule reliability, vessel deployment, and carrier network strategies. 
• Track progress in U.S.–China, U.S.–EU, and U.S.–India trade discussions, as outcomes could influence trade flows, tariff exposure, and diversification strategies. 
• Evaluate the potential impact of continued geopolitical instability on commodity markets, particularly energy, fertilizer, and industrial inputs critical to manufacturing and agricultural supply chains. 

Long-term:

• Reevaluate sourcing and supplier concentration strategies to reduce reliance on high-risk or overexposed trade lanes. Increasing geopolitical fragmentation and trade policy volatility are reinforcing the need for diversified, flexible supply chain networks. 

Notes:

1. This report uses the initial compiled release of publicly available U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Bill of Lading (BOL) data for all U.S. ports, which provides a standard, official source of data for reporting on maritime trade. This data can be subject to modification later by CBP. The modified data can be seen in Descartes Datamyne™ where U.S. maritime records are processed daily. Descartes Datamyne is ISO 9001 certified. 
2. In Descartes Datamyne™, twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) are calculated using a combination of container size and weight as declared on Bills of Lading filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).