In a surprising twist, US container import volumes bucked traditional seasonal declines in September, posting a modest increase compared to August. This anomaly, revealed in a recent report by Descartes, a Canadian logistics software provider, mirrors the unpredictability of a rising stock amid a market downturn.
Overall Import Volume: Breaking the Seasonal Spell
Descartes' data shows September US container imports reached 2,203,452 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), marking a 0.3% increase from August. While the growth appears marginal, its significance lies in defying the typical late-year slowdown. This suggests either sustained consumer demand resilience or early holiday season stockpiling by retailers.
Top 10 Port Performance: A Mixed Picture
Analysis of America's ten largest ports reveals divergent trends. Collectively, they saw a 0.7% increase (13,365 TEUs), with standout performances from:
• Port of Long Beach: +11.2% (37,363 TEUs)
• Port of Tacoma: +31.6% (19,493 TEUs)
Conversely, several major hubs experienced declines:
• Port of Los Angeles: -5.3% (21,693 TEUs)
• Port Authority of NY/NJ: -4.8% (17,036 TEUs)
Coastal Shifts: West Gains, East Declines
The report highlights a 1.4% market share gain for West Coast ports (43.3% total), while East Coast/Gulf Coast ports dipped 1.0% to 42.1%. This gradual westward cargo migration suggests improved operational efficiency at Pacific gateways.
Port Size Dynamics: Bigger Gets Better
Large ports consolidated dominance, capturing 85.4% market share (+0.3%). Their scale advantages in infrastructure and operations continue squeezing smaller competitors.
Import Origins: China Leads, Italy Stumbles
Top ten source countries collectively grew shipments by 1.7% (26,704 TEUs). China reinforced its position as the primary trade partner (+34,850 TEUs), while Italy suffered a dramatic 14,470-TEU decline.
Port Delays: West Improves, East Worsens
September brought contrasting delay patterns:
• West Coast: Most ports reduced wait times, with Los Angeles cutting delays by 1.2 days
• East Coast: Savannah Port delays increased by 2.2 days
The divergence underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges for Atlantic terminals.
Underlying Drivers
Several factors likely contributed to this atypical growth:
1. Early Holiday Preparations: Retailers may be stockpiling earlier amid lingering supply chain concerns.
2. Consumer Demand: Despite inflation, US spending remains robust due to wage growth and savings.
3. Supply Chain Recovery: Global logistics networks continue normalizing post-pandemic.
4. Trade Policy Shifts: Potential tariff reductions could stimulate imports.
Future Outlook
The trajectory remains uncertain. While economic headwinds (inflation, geopolitical risks) may dampen imports, infrastructure investments and supply chain improvements could sustain growth. Shipping companies and ports must balance these opportunities against intensifying competition.
This September anomaly serves as a reminder: in global trade, only those who adapt to data-driven insights will navigate the shifting tides successfully.