US Container Imports Hit Record High in January

US container imports surged to a new record in January, with shipments from China rising for a second consecutive month, according to Canadian logistics and supply chain management firm Descartes.

Imports for the month totaled 2,487,470 TEU, surpassing the previous January 2022 record by 21,455 TEU.

Shipments from China accounted for 997,909 TEU of the total, marking a 10.6% increase over December and coming just 2.4% short of the all-time high of 1,022,912 TEU recorded in July 2024.

This surge comes amid trade uncertainty, with the US implementing a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports on February 4, while planned 25% tariffs on shipments from Mexico and Canada were temporarily delayed until March to allow further negotiations.

“The impact of new and potential tariffs, coupled with a late Chinese Lunar New Year, may have contributed to higher US container imports in January,” said Jackson Wood, director of industry strategy at Descartes.

While logistics indicators suggest a strong start to 2025, Descartes noted that ongoing US-China tariffs, trade disputes, and geopolitical instability in the Middle East are raising concerns for companies dependent on global supply chains.

“As trade tensions escalate, businesses and consumers alike may face the risk of higher prices and prolonged market volatility,” Wood added.

Despite container volumes remaining elevated for seven consecutive months, Descartes reported that overall port transit delays at the top 10 US ports have not seen significant increases.