US container imports in September fell by 8.4% amid lockdowns and uncertainty over tariffs

U.S. container cargo imports in September 2025 fell 8.4% year over year amid uncertainty due to ongoing tariff issues and the ongoing government shutdown, according to data from the Descartes Global Shipping Report.

For the month, U.S. container import volume totaled 2,307,933 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Despite this contraction, Descartes notes that volumes for the first nine months of 2025 remain 1.9% ahead of the previous year, indicating continued, albeit variable, demand.

Imports from China also saw a clear decline during the month, totaling 762,772 TEU. This figure represents a decline of 12.3% compared to August and a decline of 22.9% year-on-year, after a reversal of temporary rises in July and August.

The data confirms that almost all categories of primary imports of Chinese origin recorded double-digit declines, including aluminum, toys, sporting goods, shoes, electrical machinery and clothing.

Descartes noted that the 10 largest U.S. ports handled lower volumes in September, with an overall decline of 7.9% from August.

The ports of Long Beach, Baltimore, Savannah, and New York/New Jersey saw the largest reductions. Tacoma was the only large gateway to record a monthly increase.

Total U.S. container imports from the top 10 originating countries declined 9.4% compared to August and 12% year over year.

While China accounted for the lion’s share of this decline, the report highlights that Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and India increased their import volume on an annual basis.

Transit delays at the port showed mixed results in September, with an overall modest improvement in throughput as import volumes declined. The report found no evidence of widespread congestion across major U.S. ports.

The ongoing US government shutdown has delayed key federal economic data and caused a slowdown in regulatory approvals, which could create “shipment delay risks for regulated goods” and could impact supply chain planning, the report says.

The tariff truce between the United States and China remains in effect until November 10, 2025, capping tariffs on Chinese goods at approximately 30%.

However, “reciprocal tariffs on more than 60 countries remain enforceable despite legal challenges now before the Supreme Court,” Descartes said, keeping risks at bay for importers preparing for the rest of the year.

Descartes states that the definitions of Emancipation Day are still being implemented as litigation continues.

The US Court of Appeals ruling was postponed until mid-October to allow further appeals, meaning the current definitions remain in place.

Effective October 14, 2025, Descartes stated that new vessel duties under Section 301 will apply to ships owned, operated or built in China and to foreign-built vehicle carriers.

Fees can increase shipping costs and add complexity to clearance procedures for affected shipments.

The report stated that shipping lanes in the Red Sea are still disrupted due to the continued rerouting of tankers around the Cape of Good Hope following maritime security incidents.

This modification extended transit times for Asia-Europe, Asia-Asia and US East Coast services by up to two weeks.

The report concludes that tariff uncertainty, ongoing disruption to global shipping lanes, and delayed regulatory processes will likely keep risk levels elevated for US importers into the fourth quarter of 2025.

US September Container Imports Up 8.4% Amid Shutdown and Tariff Uncertainty was created and published. Ship technologywhich is a trademark of GlobalData.

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