U.S. import volumes in December showed modest improvement on a month-over-month basis but remained weak overall, a trend that industry analysts attribute to broader tariff-related uncertainty and shifting trade flows late in 2025. Data from logistics and trade monitoring sources indicates that containerised import volumes into U.S. ports increased about 2 % from November, but were notably lower compared with December 2024 and overall annual totals.
According to maritime shipment data, approximately 2.23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were recorded in December, a slight uptick from November but still down nearly 6 % versus the same month a year earlier. Full-year containerised import volumes for 2025 finished slightly below 2024 levels, ending a year that saw early seasonal strength followed by softer activity later in the cycle.
The decline in year-over-year figures was influenced by weaker flows from China and other top origins, where some volume shifts and sourcing changes have been attributed to evolving tariff policies and importer caution. China’s share of U.S. container imports slipped to its lowest December proportion in several years, even as some Southeast Asian origins posted gains that partially offset declines.
Broader trade data also signals that total U.S. import spending reached near record levels in December, contributing to a wider merchandise trade deficit, although these figures were shaped by tariff threats and short-term policy shifts that boosted certain front-loaded shipments before year-end.
Supply chain stakeholders say the mixed import picture reflects underlying volatility tied to tariff uncertainty, retailer and importer inventory strategies, and uneven global demand, rather than a broad return to strong trade growth. Continued monitoring of tariff developments and policy outcomes is expected to shape import demand and logistics network planning in early 2026.
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