U.S. import demand has shown uneven trends in recent months as shippers navigate ongoing tariff uncertainty. Many importers accelerated orders earlier in the year to get ahead of potential cost increases, inflating short-term volumes. 

That surge has since tapered off, with several sectors – including consumer electronics and certain industrial goods – scaling back shipments until trade policy stabilizes. At the same time, some retailers are still front-loading seasonal inventory, keeping volumes elvated in select lanes. The result is a stop-and-go import market where timing and commodity mix are being shaped as much as policy headlines as by underlying demand. 

What the data is showing… 

According to Descartes July Global Shipping Report, U.S. container imports increased to 2,621,910 TEUs, which is an 18.2% increase from June and a 2.6% increase from July of last year. Descartes credits this growth to a strong response to various trade policies and seasonal demand.