S&P Global Market Intelligence

November imports, at 2.63 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), decreased 3.2% annually, falling for the third consecutive month, and were down sequentially compared to October’s 2.71 million TEU.

October imports, at 2.71 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) fell 3.4% annually, again seeing a sequential decline compared to September’s 2.72 million TEU, August’s 2.9 million TEU, and July’s 3.01 million TEU.

The firm reported that September imports, at 2.72 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), fell 5.8% annually, down from August’s 2.9 million TEU July’s 3.01 million TEU (which topped the 3 million TEU mark for the first time and came on the heels of a June decline, coupled with importers looking to optimize sourcing following the White House’s reciprocal tariffs related to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on most U.S. trading partners, which went into effect on August 7).

ng off of a record-setting July, United States-bound containerized freight imports saw annual gains, albeit at a reduced pace, according to data recently issued by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

July imports, at 3.01 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), headed up 3.7% annually, topping the 2.90 million TEU in July 20214, and cracking the 3 million TEU mark for the first time.

The firm reported that June imports, at 2.65 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), declined 0.8% in June, with the second quarter, at 8.02 million TEU, up 1.4% annually, following a 9.1% first quarter gain. Through the first six months of 2025, total imports came in at 16.16 million TEU, for a 4.6% annual gain.

The firm reported that May imports, at 2.71 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), fell 5.7% annually

The firm reported that April imports, at 2.78 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), increased 10.3% annually, matching March’s annual gain percentage. On a year-to-date basis through April, imports are up 7.9% annually, at 10.93 million TEU.

While there was a large amount of speculation regarding an anticipated drop in United States-bound import declines driven by the myriad trade policy and tariff actions put into action by President Trump since his return to office, that speculation has become reality, based on sentiment from various industry stakeholders.

A temporary tariff pause brings hope—but little clarity—as importers brace for rising costs, shipping delays, and volatile policy shifts.

The firm reported that March imports, at 2.75 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), rose 10.2% annually, rising for the 19th consecutive quarter. For the first quarter, total imports, at 8.14 million TEU, saw a 9.1% annual increase.

The firm reported that February imports, at 2.56 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), posted a 4.3% annual gain. And on a year-to-date basis, it reported that total U.S.-bound imports, at 5.38 million TEU, are up 6.3% compared to the same period in 2024.

The firm reported that January imports, at 2.80 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), increased 8.0% annually.

The firm reported that December imports, at 2.66 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), posted a 9.1% annual gain over December 2023’s 2.44 million TEU, matching the annual gain for the entire fourth quarter. For calendar year 2024, total imports came in at 32.2 million TEU, for an 11.6% annual increase.

November imports, at 2.72 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), increased 12.3% annually, growing for the 15th consecutive month. Sequentially, imports were off 2.5% compared to October. On a year-to-date basis through November, total imports, at 29.59 million TEU are up 11.9% annually and in line with the 30.39 million TEU recorded for the same period in 2021.