August U.S. Container Imports Reach Third-Highest Level on Record Amid Trade Risks 

U.S. containerized imports increased month-over-month in August 2026, reaching 2,603,709 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—the third-highest monthly volume on record, behind only May 2022 and July 2025. Volumes rose 3.8% from July and 3.3% from August 2025. Through the first eight months of 2026, imports were down just 0.4% year-over-year, while August volume remained 21.5% above August 2019 levels. 

China-origin imports increased to 884,318 TEUs in August, up 1.3% from July and 1.7% year-over-year. Imports from the top 10 countries of origin (CoO) rose 3.5% month-over-month and 2.3% year-over-year, reflecting broad growth across leading sourcing markets. Port activity also strengthened, with volumes at the top 10 U.S. ports increasing 3.8%. East and Gulf Coast ports expanded their share of total imports to 40.7%, while West Coast ports accounted for 43.9%. Gulf Coast imports rose to 252,675 TEUs, and port transit delays increased at every major gateway. 

The broader trade environment remains unsettled. Ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, new Panama Canal transit constraints, and expanded U.S. tariffs continue to affect transportation costs, routing decisions, and sourcing strategies. August results point to resilient import demand, but persistent policy and geopolitical uncertainty and rising port delays reinforce the need for flexible, data-driven supply chain planning. 

U.S. containerized imports totaled 2,603,709 TEUs in August 2026, increasing 3.8% from July (see Figure 1). This represented the third-highest monthly import volume on record, trailing only May 2022’s record 2,622,465 TEUs and July 2025’s 2,621,910 TEUs. August imports were also 3.3% higher than in August 2025 and 21.5% above August 2019, underscoring the continued strength of U.S. import demand. Through the first eight months of 2026, import volumes were 0.4% below the same period in 2025, narrowing the year-to-date gap. 

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

The July-to-August change in U.S. container imports has varied considerably over the past decade (see Figure 2). In 2026, August volume increased 3.8% from July, reversing the month-over-month declines recorded in both 2024 and 2025. The gain lifted imports to the third-highest monthly level on record, demonstrating resilient demand during the late-summer peak shipping period. 

Figure 2: July to August U.S. Container Import Volume Comparison

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Container volumes across the top 10 U.S. ports increased by 80,661 TEUs in August 2026, a 3.8% month-over-month gain, with eight of the 10 major gateways posting higher volumes than in July (see Figure 3). New York/Newark recorded the largest increase, rising 24,122 TEUs (7.2%), followed by Savannah, up 22,761 TEUs (9.2%), and Long Beach, up 12,945 TEUs (2.8%). Additional gains were recorded at Houston, up 8,569 TEUs (4.7%); New York, up 8,548 TEUs (18.1%); Charleston, up 5,751 TEUs (5.9%); Tacoma, up 4,829 TEUs (8.2%); and Norfolk, up 511 TEUs (0.4%). 

Only two of the top 10 ports recorded declines. Oakland posted the largest decrease, falling 5,628 TEUs (7.4%), while Los Angeles declined 1,748 TEUs (0.4%). August results indicate broadly distributed growth across major gateways, with the strongest volume gains concentrated at New York/Newark and Savannah. 

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

U.S. containerized imports from China totaled 884,318 TEUs in August 2026, increasing 1.3% from July and 1.7% from August 2025. Despite the monthly and annual gains, volumes remained 13.5% below the July 2024 record of 1,022,913 TEUs (see Figure 4). China represented 34.0% of total U.S. container imports in August, down from 34.8% in July as imports from other sourcing countries grew more quickly. 

China's August import mix continued to be led by plastics (HS-39) and furniture and bedding (HS-94), which accounted for 14.0% and 13.3% of China-origin volume, respectively. Machinery (HS-84) and electrical machinery (HS-85) represented a combined 17.6%, while toys and sporting goods (HS-95) accounted for 9.9%. Apparel, made-up textiles, and footwear (HS-61, HS-62, HS-63, and HS-64) collectively represented 10.7% of imports. Year-over-year, articles of iron or steel (HS-73) rose 30.5%, glass and glassware (HS-70) increased 29.1%, and plastics increased 6.9%, while machinery declined 9.8% and furniture and bedding fell 5.0%. 

Figure 4: July 2025-August 2026 Comparison of U.S. Total and Chinese TEU Container Volume Relative to July 2024 Import Record 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In August 2026, U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO increased 3.5% month-over-month, representing a combined gain of 61,735 TEUs (see Figure 5). Vietnam recorded the largest increase, rising 14,545 TEUs (5.2%), followed by Thailand, up 11,633 TEUs (10.4%); Indonesia, up 11,198 TEUs (19.5%); and China, up 11,188 TEUs (1.3%). Germany increased 5,195 TEUs (8.4%), South Korea rose 4,303 TEUs (4.4%), and Hong Kong gained 2,222 TEUs (2.7%). More modest increases were recorded for Italy and Taiwan. India was the only top 10 sourcing country to decline, falling 926 TEUs (0.8%). 

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In August 2026, U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO increased 2.3% year-over-year, representing a combined gain of 41,482 TEUs (see Figure 6). China recorded the largest volume increase, rising 14,795 TEUs (1.7%), followed by Thailand, up 12,260 TEUs (11.0%), and Vietnam, up 9,878 TEUs (3.5%). Hong Kong increased 8,493 TEUs (11.1%), Indonesia was up 5,375 TEUs (8.5%), South Korea was up 4,545 TEUs (4.7%), and Germany increased 4,641 TEUs (7.4%). Italy was essentially unchanged. These gains more than offset declines from India, down 16,034 TEUs (12.8%), and Taiwan, down 2,572 TEUs (4.5%).  

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne

East and Gulf Coast ports accounted for 40.7% of total U.S. containerized imports in August 2026, up from 39.8% in July, while West Coast ports' share declined to 43.9% from 45.0% (see Figure 7). The top 10 U.S. ports handled 84.6% of total imports, down slightly from 84.8% in July. The results show a modest shift toward East and Gulf Coast gateways as New York/Newark and Savannah posted the month's largest port-volume gains.

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

In August 2026, port transit delays increased at the top 10 ports (see Figure 8). Houston and Seattle recorded the largest increases, both rising 1.5 days from 4.3 days to 5.8 days and 6.1 to 7.6 days, respectively. Savannah rose 1.3 days to 6.1 days, and more moderate increases were recorded at Los Angeles, Norfolk, New York/New Jersey, Tacoma, Oakland, Charleston, and Long Beach. The broad-based rise in transit times coincided with stronger August import volumes and warrants continued monitoring for signs of sustained operational pressure. 

Figure 8: Monthly Average Transit Delays (in days) for the Top 10 Ports (June-August 2026)

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Note: Descartes' definition of port transit delay is the difference, measured in days, between the Estimated Arrival Date 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 increased to 252,675 TEUs in August 2026, up 4.2% from July (see Figure 9). August volume was 11.7% above the rolling 12-month average of 226,120 TEUs and only 1.9% below the high this year in May of 257,564 TEUs. The increase extended July's rebound and brought Gulf Coast imports to their second-highest monthly total in the period shown, indicating sustained strength across Gulf gateways.

Figure 9: September 2025 to August 2026 U.S. Gulf Coast Container Imports

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Operational conditions around the Strait of Hormuz remain highly volatile. Maersk reported on August 31 that booking suspensions and reduced operations remained in effect across parts of the Upper Gulf, while alternative land bridge routings, temporary storages, and specialized empty-container return arrangements continued.  

For U.S. importers, the primary exposure remains higher transportation costs, reduced schedule reliability, and potential disruption to energy and industrial-input supply chains. Organizations sourcing from or routing through the Gulf should continue monitoring carrier advisories, insurance availability, port acceptance rules, and alternative discharge or inland-routing options. 

Section 301 tariffs introduced on July 24 remain in effect on imports from numerous trading partners. Additional duties generally range from 10% to 12.5%, with rates, caps, and exemptions varying by economy and product. Existing Section 232 duties and China-related Section 301 measures also remain as important landed-cost considerations. Importers should continue reviewing tariff treatment at the HS-code level because final exposure depends on product classification, origin, existing most-favored-nation duties, and applicable exclusions. 

Panama Canal reduces daily transit capacity.

The Panama Canal Authority reduced daily transit availability effective September 3 amid below-expected precipitation in the canal watershed. Neopanamax slots were adjusted to nine per day and Panamax slots to 25, with Panamax availability scheduled to fall to 23 slots on September 15. The Authority warned that vessels arriving without a secured reservation could face longer waits. For containerized trade, the changes may affect schedule reliability and all-water Asia-to-East and Gulf Coast service planning. 

Red Sea security risks remain elevated. 

Red Sea shipping risks intensified in early September after Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi energy and economic facilities, including targets near Jazan on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The escalation follows renewed fighting in Yemen and threats against Saudi shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Although the development occurred after the August reporting period and is not reflected in this month’s import data, further escalation could lead to additional vessel diversions, higher insurance and fuel costs, and longer transit times. Shippers should closely monitor carrier advisories and routing decisions throughout the region. 

At 2.6M TEUs, August 2026 U.S. containerized imports reached the third-highest monthly volume on record, rising 3.8% from July and 3.3% year-over-year. Through the first eight months of 2026, imports were down only 0.4% compared with the same period in 2025. China-origin volume increased modestly, imports grew across nine of the top 10 sourcing countries, and activity strengthened at eight of the top 10 ports. Gulf Coast volumes continued to rise, while East and Gulf Coast ports regained import share. At the same time, delays increased at major gateways, and tariff, Middle East, Red Sea, and Panama Canal risks continue to complicate sourcing, routing, and landed-cost decisions. 

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

• Middle East conflict and maritime security risk. Conditions around the Strait of Hormuz remain highly volatile, with carrier booking restrictions, alternative inland routings, insurance constraints, and emergency charges affecting regional logistics. Further escalation could increase fuel prices, transportation costs, and schedule variability. 
• Expanded tariffs and other potential trade restrictions. Section 301 actions covering numerous U.S. trading partners continue to impose additional duties generally ranging from 10% to 12.5%, subject to economy- and product-specific treatment. Section 232 tariffs and existing China-related Section 301 duties also remain important cost considerations. 
• Port transit wait times. If they decrease, it can indicate improved global supply chain efficiency or weaker demand for goods and logistics services. Delays increased across all 10 major gateways in August, making it important to determine whether the rise is temporary or signals broader operational pressure. 
• Panama Canal transit constraints. Reduced slot availability took effect September 3, with a further Panamax reduction scheduled for September 15. Importers using East and Gulf Coast ports should monitor booking availability, waiting times, and carrier schedule changes. 
• Red Sea disruption. Renewed attacks and continued service restrictions are sustaining the risk of Cape of Good Hope diversions and other contingency measures. Longer routings can absorb vessel capacity and contribute to higher freight costs, extended transit times, and schedule variability. 
• The economy. The U.S. remains an import-driven economy, so economic health is a key indicator of container demand. The Federal Reserve held the federal funds target range at 3.50%-3.75% on July 29. The Bureau of Economic Analysis' second estimate showed real GDP increasing at a 1.5% annualized rate in the second quarter, down from 2.1% in the first quarter. Consumer demand, inflation, energy costs, and interest-rate conditions will remain important indicators of future container volumes. 

August 2026 imports reached the third-highest monthly level on record, supported by broad month-over-month and year-over-year growth and narrowing the year-to-date decline to 0.4%. China-origin volume increased, most leading sourcing countries and ports posted gains, and Gulf Coast activity strengthened. However, the broad rise in port delays, expanded tariff exposure, tighter Panama Canal transit capacity, and persistent Middle East and Red Sea disruption reinforce the need for flexible, data-driven supply chain planning. 

Descartes continues to monitor these developments using Descartes Datamyne™, government releases, and industry intelligence to help organizations anticipate disruption, control landed costs, and strengthen supply chain resilience. 

Short-term:

• Monitor Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea developments, where carrier restrictions and security risks remain elevated. 
• Review exposure to Section 301 and Section 232 duties by product, country, and effective tariff treatment. 
• Plan for reduced Panama Canal transit availability and potential implications for all-water East and Gulf Coast routings. 
• Track port transit times for evidence of sustained operational pressure. 

Near-term:

• Assess tariff exposure by HS code, country of origin, supplier, and sourcing lane. 
• Compare landed costs across alternative sourcing countries as tariff rates and exclusions change. 
• Monitor carrier advisories, surcharges, booking restrictions, and alternative routing options across the Middle East and Red Sea. 
• Track major U.S. trade negotiations and policy changes that could affect sourcing or freight demand. 
• Evaluate commodity-linked risks tied to energy, fertilizers, petrochemicals, aluminum, steel, and other industrial inputs. 

Long-term:

• Reevaluate supplier, country, port, and trade-lane concentration to reduce exposure to individual markets and maritime chokepoints. 
• Develop flexible sourcing and routing strategies that can respond quickly to tariff, capacity, port-delay, and geopolitical changes. 
• Improve landed-cost visibility and scenario planning across multiple suppliers, ports, and transportation options. 

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 (TEUs) 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).