In September 2025, US container cargo imports dropped 8.4% year-on-year due to tariff uncertainty and the government shutdown, totaling 2,307,933 TEUs. Despite this, volumes for the first nine months of 2025 are 1.9% higher than the previous year. Imports from China decreased by 12.3% compared to August, with double-digit declines in various categories.

Major US ports, except Tacoma, experienced lower volumes in September, with a 7.9% overall decrease. The top ten countries of origin saw a 9.4% drop in containerised imports, led by reduced volumes from China. However, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India increased their import volumes. Port transit delays showed modest improvement, with no widespread congestion reported.

The ongoing US government shutdown delayed economic data and regulatory clearances, posing risks of shipment delays for regulated goods. The US-China tariff truce is in effect until 10 November 2025, but reciprocal tariffs on over 60 countries remain enforceable. Liberation Day tariffs are still being implemented, pending further appeals.

New vessel fees under Section 301 will apply to ships from China and foreign-built vehicle carriers starting 14 October 2025, potentially increasing shipping costs. Red Sea shipping lanes remain disrupted, causing extended transit times for certain services. Uncertainty around tariffs and global shipping disruptions may keep risk levels elevated for US importers in the final quarter of 2025.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: US September container imports dip 8.4% amid shutdown, tariff uncertainty