Data released on Thursday revealed that U.S. containerized imports in September were down 8.4% compared to the same period last year, with a drop of 22.9% in goods imported from China. This was due to ongoing trade tensions caused by President Donald Trump's policies.

U.S. Seaports handled 2,31 million 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs), of container cargo, last month. This was the third highest September volume ever recorded, despite a decrease from last year.

The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates have forecast that the monthly import cargo volumes at the major container ports in the United States will fall below 2 million TEUs for the rest of the year.

Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president of supply chain and customs policies, said that this year's peak period has passed. This is largely because retailers have frontloaded imports before reciprocal tariffs take effect.

NRF announced that more tariffs -- 25% for upholstered furniture, regardless of the country -- and the same rate for kitchen cabinets and vanities will be implemented next week. They'll increase in January. NRF said that a tariff increase on Chinese imports, which was delayed 90 days by Trump in August, is also scheduled for November 10. This is unless there is a deal or Trump decides to delay it again.

Hackett Associates' founder Ben Hackett stated that the ongoing volatility of U.S. Tariff Policy is creating significant economic uncertainties.

The Drewry East-West Contract Rate Index, which is an average of the contract rates paid by over 100 multinational shippers including Walmart, on 17 major ocean route, fell 3% during the 12-month period ending in September. This was the first reduction year-over-year since July 2024.

The U.S. has generally been able to withstand unprecedented tariff pressures.

The volume of sales through September is 1.9% higher than the same period in 2020.

Descartes reported that China's share in total U.S. exports fell to 33.5% in September, down from 34.5% the previous month.

Imports from China fell to 762.772 TEUs during September. The steepest declines were in aluminum, footwear, and electric machinery. The declines were seen in toys and sporting goods as well as apparel and footwear. Descartes noted that the overall result is a reverse of the temporary rebound seen in July and August. It also highlights importer's sensitivity to tariff policies.

Descartes reported that imports from South Korea and Taiwan, as well as Germany, Italy, and Hong Kong, also declined last month.

The firm also said that several countries in Southeast and South Asia have increased their market share.

The imports of Indonesia, Thailand and India have all increased.

Descartes noted that month-overmonth data did show a slowdown almost across the board in Asian trade. (Reporting and editing by Margueritachoy in Los Angeles)

(source: Reuters)