April U.S. Container Imports Remain Strong Amid Tariff Pressures

In April 2025, U.S. container imports remained strong, rising 1.2% over March and 9.1% year-over-year, and surpassing 2.4 million TEUs for the second time this year. The monthly total of 2,410,371 TEUs marked the second-highest April on record, trailing only April 2022 by 46,808 TEUs. Port share dynamics also shifted in April, with West Coast ports rebounding after falling behind in March. While they did not overtake East and Gulf Coast ports, the gap in market share narrowed significantly. At the same time, overall port transit delays at the top 10 U.S. ports reached their lowest level on record, surpassing the previous benchmark set in April 2023. 

In April 2025, U.S. imports from China rose to 804,122 TEUs, reflecting a 5.4% increase over March and a 6.2% increase year-over-year. The growth likely reflects a wave of frontloaded shipments ahead of the April 9 implementation of the 145% U.S. tariff on many Chinese goods. While this uptick reversed the sharp 12.6% drop observed in March, it may be temporary, as the full impact of tariffs—and the May 2 expiration of the de minimis exemption—has yet to be reflected in import volumes from China. China remains the U.S.’s top maritime trade partner, but these policy shifts are expected to put downward pressure on future imports as sourcing strategies and shipping patterns adjust. 

Descartes’ May logistics update highlights continued strength in U.S. container import volumes as trade and geopolitical risks intensify. April marked the second consecutive month of growth, building on March’s rebound and extending the positive momentum seen in January 2025. This performance comes amid rising global trade uncertainty driven by the sharp escalation of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, the expiration of key duty exemptions, and renewed instability in the Red Sea. Evolving trade policies and persistent conflict in Eastern Europe are adding layers of complexity to global logistics. As these pressures mount, businesses face heightened risk of disruption and must stay agile to protect and adapt their supply chains. 

In April 2025, U.S. container import volumes remained robust, reaching 2,410,371 TEUs—an increase of 1.2% over March (see Figure 1). Year-over-year, April volumes were 9.1% higher than April 2024 and stood 25.6% above April 2019, underscoring continued strength compared to both recent and pre-pandemic levels. Cumulatively, imports for the first four months of 2025 are up 8.6% compared to the same period in 2024, showing resilience even as elevated tariffs and geopolitical risks add new pressures to global trade. 

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

April import volume was the second highest on record for the month, trailing April 2022 by 46,808 TEUs (see Figure 2). Imports rose by 29,697 TEUs (1.2%) over March, marking the third consecutive year of a March-to-April volume increase. While modest, this could signal an emerging seasonal trend, potentially reflecting shifting import strategies or sustained post-pandemic demand patterns. Some of the growth may also be tied to frontloading, as importers rushed to move goods ahead of new U.S. tariffs, in particular the 145% tariff on Chinese products implemented on April 9. Part of April’s increase may also be attributed to the month having one additional business day (22) compared to March (21), due to the timing of the Easter holiday.  

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™ 

In April 2025, the top 10 U.S. ports collectively saw a 2.7% increase in container volume, with a total gain of 52,963 TEUs. West Coast ports led the growth, particularly Los Angeles and Long Beach, which posted strong gains of 13.9% and 12.0%, respectively. Houston volumes grew by 3.9%, while New York/New Jersey and Baltimore had modest increases of 0.9% and 1.1%. In contrast, several East and Gulf Coast ports experienced declines, most notably Savannah (down 8.7%), Charleston (down 6.7%), and Norfolk (down 3.7%). Tacoma and Oakland also posted double-digit drops of -12.4% and -10.0%, respectively, signaling uneven performance across regions. 

Figure 3: March 2025 to April 2025 Comparison of Import Volumes at Top 10 U.S. Ports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™ 

U.S. imports from China totaled 804,122 TEUs in April 2025, rising 5.4% from March and 6.2% year-over-year (see Figure 4). China remained the top source of U.S. containerized imports, accounting for 33.4% of total inbound volume. While growth remained strong in April, it likely reflects U.S. importers continuing to pull shipments forward ahead of new tariffs. Since the tariffs do not apply to goods already in transit, the greater impact is expected to appear in May import results. 

Furniture and bedding products (HS-94) led all import categories from China, with 134,619 TEUs, representing 16.75% of the total. Plastics and articles thereof (HS-39) followed at 106,134 TEUs (13.20%), and nuclear reactors, boilers, and related machinery (HS-84) accounted for 104,888 TEUs (13.05%). These categories are likely to be among the most impacted by the steep tariff hike. 

Also notable is the expiration of the de minimis tax exemption for shipments from China valued at US$800 or less, which took effect on May 2, 2025. This change eliminates duty-free treatment for many small parcel imports, particularly affecting ecommerce flows. With both the tariff increases and the elimination of the de minimis regulation now in effect, a slowdown in China-origin shipments may begin to materialize in the months ahead. 

Figure 4: April 2024–April 2025 Comparison of U.S. Total and Chinese TEU Container Volume Relative to Chinese Import Record

Source: Descartes Datamyne

At the port level, April’s increase in China-origin imports was especially visible along the West Coast. Long Beach and Los Angeles saw substantial month-over-month gains of 16.7% and 23.6%, respectively, together accounting for nearly 69,000 additional TEUs. These jumps contrast sharply with declines at major East and Gulf Coast ports like New York/Newark and Savannah, which fell by 10.0% and 18.5%. These differences may suggest that some shippers prioritized faster trans-Pacific routes over moving goods via the Panama or even Suez Canals, highlighting how policy shifts can quickly reshape routing decisions, even before volume impacts appear at a broader level. 

Figure 5: March 2025 to April 2025 Comparison of top U.S. ports for Imports Originating from China 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 CoO rose by 45,730 TEUs in April 2025, a 2.8% increase over March (see Figure 6). Several countries posted solid gains, including Italy (up 9.7%), Vietnam (up 6.2%), and Thailand (up 3.6%). China saw the largest volume increase, with imports rising by 41,292 TEUs (5.4%), again, likely reflecting pre-tariff shipping activity. At the same time, five of the top 10 saw declines, led by Germany (down 6.9%) and India (down 6.7%). Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea also posted moderate decreases.  

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne

Year-over-year, top 10 CoO comparisons highlight shifting trading partner dynamics (see Figure 7). Vietnam (up 32.5%), Italy (up 29.9%), Hong Kong (up 28.8%), and Thailand (up 13.4%) all posted double-digit growth compared to April 2024, suggesting that some importers may be expanding relationships with alternative suppliers amid rising trade tensions with China. In contrast, declines from Japan (down 12.1%) and South Korea (down 11.7%) point to a possible rebalancing of regional sourcing strategies. These changes may reflect a broader effort by U.S. importers to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to tariff volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. 

Figure 7: April 2024 to April 2025 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

In April 2025, West Coast ports increased their share of U.S. containerized imports to 42.5%, up from 39.4% in March (see Figure 8). East and Gulf Coast ports, meanwhile, saw their share decline to 41.4%, down from 43.0% the previous month. While the East Coast still narrowly leads, the gap has tightened significantly, reversing last month’s trend and signaling a short-term shift back toward West Coast gateways. The top 10 U.S. ports overall handled 83.9% of total container volume in April, up from 82.5% in March. 

This rebound is likely tied to a surge in shipments arriving via trans-Pacific routes ahead of the April 9 implementation of the 145% tariff on Chinese goods. Because the tariff excludes goods already in transit, importers may have accelerated shipments to West Coast ports—particularly Los Angeles and Long Beach.  

Figure 8: Volume Analysis for Top Ports, West Coast Ports and East and Gulf Coast Ports

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

In April 2025, average port transit delays improved at nearly all major U.S. ports compared to March, marking the shortest delays since Descartes began tracking in 2021 (see Figure 7). Tacoma and Savannah led the improvements, each reducing delays by 2.9 days, followed closely by Norfolk with a 1.9-day drop. Among the top 10 ports, only Seattle experienced an increase in delays, rising by 1.7 days. Compared to April 2023—the previous benchmark for lowest delays—average transit times across the top 10 ports have decreased by a substantial 9.4 days. This improvement is particularly noteworthy given that total U.S. imports in April 2025 were 390,174 TEUs higher than in April 2023, underscoring the increased efficiency in handling higher volumes. 

Figure 9: Monthly Average Transit Delays (in days) for the Top 10 Ports (Feb. 2025 – Apr. 2025) 

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 CBP-processed bill of lading data.

In April 2025, Gulf Coast container imports reached 239,465 TEUs, a 2.4% increase over March’s total of 233,816 TEUs (see Figure 10). This marks the second consecutive month of growth and brings Gulf Coast volumes 5.2% above the 12-month average of 227,734 TEUs. Following sharp declines in December 2024 and February 2025, Gulf Coast ports have regained momentum and are showing signs of stability. 

While April growth was modest compared to the 14.4% rebound in March, the sustained increase signals more consistent throughput levels. Unlike East and West Coast ports, which experienced more pronounced fluctuations due to tariff-related shipment timing, Gulf Coast volumes appear to be driven by a more balanced mix of import origins. 

Figure 10: May 2024 to April 2025 U.S. Gulf Coast Container Imports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

U.S. trade tensions with China intensified further in April 2025, as the federal government raised tariffs on many Chinese goods to a total of 145%, effective April 9. This follows a rapid escalation earlier in the year, with rates climbing from 10% in February to 20% in March, and then sharply to 54%, 104%, and 125% in early April—before reaching the current level. China’s 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. exports, which took effect April 10, remains in place. Meanwhile, a temporary 90-day pause in tariff hikes remains active for more than 75 other countries that entered negotiations with the U.S., allowing a reduced reciprocal tariff rate of 10% during this window. 

Adding further pressure on trade flows, the de minimis tax exemption for Chinese shipments valued at US$800 or less expired on May 2, 2025, eliminating duty-free entry for small parcel imports—a key channel for ecommerce. Together, these changes have increased the cost and complexity of doing business with China. 

Economists warn that if tensions persist or escalate further, the combined effects of tariffs, retaliatory measures, and shifting trade patterns could slow economic growth, strain global supply chains, and raise inflationary pressures through the second half of 2025. 

As of May 2025, Red Sea shipping disruptions persist amid ongoing Houthi attacks and heightened regional tensions. Despite earlier ceasefire announcements, major carriers such as Maersk and CMA CGM continue to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope due to safety concerns.  

The U.S. has intensified its military campaign against Yemen's Houthi forces, conducting airstrikes targeting key positions in response to attacks on commercial vessels. Additionally, the U.S. imposed sanctions on entities delivering oil and gas to the Houthis, aiming to cut off funding sources for their operations. Despite these efforts, the security situation remains volatile, with the Bab El-Mandeb Strait—a critical chokepoint for global trade—experiencing a significant drop in vessel transits.  

The ongoing instability continues to impact global shipping routes, contributing to elevated freight rates and extended delivery times.

In April 2025, U.S. container imports continued to grow following a strong March rebound, but persistent global trade challenges remain. The full impact of the U.S. tariff hike—now at 145%—on Chinese goods is still unfolding, with potential volume declines ahead. Retaliatory measures and the elimination of the de minimis exemption for low value Chinese imports are adding further cost and compliance burdens. Meanwhile, instability in the Red Sea has re-escalated, with renewed attacks disrupting vessel traffic and forcing prolonged detours around the Cape of Good Hope. Tensions in Eastern Europe also continue to affect supply chain reliability across multiple trade corridors. As these pressures converge, businesses face a heightened need for agility to manage rising costs, geopolitical risk, and shifting trade flows. Here’s what Descartes will be closely monitoring in the months ahead: 

• Expanded tariffs and other potential ‘protectionist’ trade policies. Broader and deeper tariffs applied to a wide array of goods could compel U.S. importers to significantly re-engineer their supply chains, putting additional pressure on global logistics infrastructure. The U.S. administration’s aggressive tariff policy are actively reshaping global trade dynamics and forcing U.S. importers to reevaluate sourcing strategies. Despite the steep 145% U.S. tariff on imports from China, imports from the country rose 5.4% month-over-month in April; however, this short-term rise is expected to reverse in the coming months as shipments subject to the new rates clear customs. Adding further complexity, the de minimis tax exemption for Chinese imports under US$800 expired on May 2, eliminating duty-free access for small parcel ecommerce shipments. With protectionist measures expanding and broader trade tensions persisting, businesses are under increasing pressure to reevaluate their supply chains—balancing cost, risk, and resilience in an unpredictable global environment. 
• Monthly TEU volumes between 2.4M and 2.6M. This level remains a key pressure point for U.S. ports and inland logistics networks. In April 2025, U.S. container import volumes reached over 2.4 million TEUs, marking a month of solid throughput. Overall port infrastructure performed exceptionally well, with transit delays reaching their lowest levels on record across nearly all major gateways. These gains reflect increased efficiency even as volumes remain elevated. However, sustained throughput at this level—particularly amid shifting routing patterns driven by tariffs and Red Sea disruptions—may still present challenges at inland rail hubs and ports with limited surge capacity or labor availability. 
• 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. In April 2025, port transit delays improved across nearly all major U.S. ports, reaching the lowest overall levels on record and signaling continued relief from congestion despite elevated import volumes. 
• The economy. The U.S. is an import-driven economy, so economic health is an important indicator of container import volumes. U.S. economic conditions remained generally stable in April 2025, despite rising geopolitical and trade-related headwinds. April jobs report showed stronger-than-expected gains with 177,000 jobs added. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, supported by continued labor force participation. Although the Federal Reserve did not meet in April, markets are watching closely ahead of the next FOMC meeting on May 6–7, as policymakers weigh the potential impact of elevated tariffs, slowing GDP growth, and persistent global uncertainty on the broader economic outlook. 
• Middle East conflict. Houthi-related threats are diverting carriers from the Suez Canal, extending transit times and increasing shipping costs as vessels reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. Although a ceasefire was declared earlier in the year, it has since broken down, with renewed attacks on commercial vessels reported in late April. In response, the U.S. has conducted fresh airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, further heightening security concerns in the region. As a result, most major carriers have not resumed Red Sea transits, maintaining detours that significantly impact Asia–U.S. East Coast routes. So far, the impact on East and Gulf Coast ports has remained manageable, but escalation in hostilities could lead to broader supply chain disruptions and mounting pressure on global trade flows. 

In April, U.S. container import volumes remained strong, building on March’s rebound and reflecting sustained demand despite intensifying policy and logistical challenges. Port transit times improved significantly at most major gateways, reaching record lows even with elevated monthly import volumes. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and renewed Red Sea disruptions continue to inject volatility into global shipping networks. Descartes will continue to monitor these developments closely using Descartes Datamyne, in combination with government and industry data, to help importers stay agile and informed in a rapidly changing trade environment. 

Short-term: 

• Consider modelling the impacts of increased tariffs on imported goods and whether a change in sourcing strategy could mitigate potentially higher costs.  
• Monitor port volumes and delays to assess the possibility of trade disruptions if volumes are within 2.4M and 2.6M levels that have historically stressed U.S. maritime logistics infrastructure. 
• Track the Middle East conflict as carriers remain cautious about returning to the Red Sea despite the ongoing Houthi ceasefire. 
• Evaluate the impact of inflation and the Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Hamas conflicts on logistics costs and capacity constraints. Ensure that key trading partners are not on sanctions lists.  

Near-term:  

• For companies that have cargo moving through the Suez Canal, evaluate the impact of extended rerouting caused by Middle East conflicts. 

Long-term:  

• Evaluate supplier and factory location density to mitigate reliance on over-taxed trade lanes and regions of the globe that have the potential for conflict. Density creates economy of scale but also risk, and subsequent logistics capacity crisis highlights the downside. Conflicts do not happen “overnight” so now is the time to address this potentially business disrupting issue.