US September container imports dip 8.4% amid shutdown, tariff uncertainty
US container cargo imports in September 2025 slumped 8.4% year-on-year amid the uncertainty due to ongoing tariff issues and the continuing government shutdown, as per data from the Descartes Global Shipping Report.
In the month, US container import volumes totalled 2,307,933 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)
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Despite this contraction, Descartes notes that volumes for the first nine months of 2025 remain 1.9% ahead of the previous year, indicating persistent though variable demand.
Imports from China also saw a pronounced drop in the month, totalling 762,772 TEUs. This figure represents a 12.3% decline compared to August and a 22.9% year-over-year decrease, following a reversal of temporary rebounds in July and August.
The data confirms that nearly all primary China-origin import categories registered double-digit declines, including aluminium, toys and sporting goods, footwear, electric machinery, and apparel.
Descartes observes that the top ten US ports processed lower volumes in September, with a 7.9% overall decrease from August.
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By GlobalDataLong Beach, Baltimore, Savannah, and New York/New Jersey ports experienced the sharpest reductions. Tacoma was the only large gateway to record a month-over-month increase.
Total US containerised imports from the top ten countries of origin fell 9.4% from August and 12% year-on-year.
While China accounted for the largest share of the decline, the report highlights that Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India increased their year-over-year import volumes.
Port transit delays showed mixed outcomes in September, with overall modest improvement in throughput as import volumes fell. The report found no evidence of widespread congestion across major US ports.
The report says that the ongoing US government shutdown has delayed essential federal economic data and caused slowdowns in regulatory clearances, which may create “risks of shipment delays for regulated goods” and could affect supply chain planning .
The US-China tariff truce remains effective until 10 November 2025, capping duties on Chinese goods at roughly 30%.
However, “reciprocal tariffs on more than 60 countries remain enforceable despite legal challenges now before the Supreme Court,” according to Descartes, maintaining risk for importers preparing for the remainder of the year.
Descartes reports that Liberation Day tariffs are still being implemented as litigation continues.
A US Court of Appeals ruling has been stayed until mid-October to allow further appeals, meaning current tariffs remain in force.
Beginning 14 October 2025, Descartes states that new vessel fees under Section 301 will apply to ships owned, operated, or built in China and to foreign-built vehicle carriers.
The fees could increase shipping costs and add complexity to clearance procedures for affected shipments.
Red Sea shipping lanes remain disrupted due to continued carrier rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope following maritime security incidents, stated the report.
This adjustment has extended transit times for Asia–Europe and Asia–US East Coast services by up to two weeks.
The report concludes that uncertainty around tariffs, persistent disruption in global shipping lanes, and delayed regulatory processes are likely to keep risk levels elevated for US importers into the final quarter of 2025.
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