US major container ports are forecast to handle 2.47 million TEU in July, a new monthly record, as retailers frontload imports before potential August tariffs.
Global Port Tracker projects June at 2.33 million TEU and the first half at 12.77 million TEU, up 2 per cent year on year.
Retail sourcing teams face an early peak season, with volumes forecast to decline from August.
US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.24 million TEU in May, the latest month with final data, up 14.9 per cent year on year and 10.1 per cent from April, the report said.
June has not yet been reported by ports, but the report projected 2.33 million TEU for the month, up 18.7 per cent year on year. That would take first-half 2026 imports to 12.77 million TEU, up 2 per cent from the same period in 2025.
Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy, NRF said: “This year’s early peak season is expected to continue through July as retailers and other importers prepare for potentially higher tariffs beginning in August and other trade uncertainties.” He also noted continued supply chain effects from the conflict in Iran.
Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said the sharp rise in imports largely reflected frontloading ahead of expected tariff increases.
The report added that temporary 10 per cent Section 122 global tariffs that took effect in February are set to expire on July 24, while a new round of tariffs regarding forced labour is expected as early as August. Imports are forecast to fall to 2.22 million TEU in August, down 4.5 per cent year on year, followed by 1.99 million TEU in both September and October, and 1.92 million TEU in November.
For apparel, textile and retail sourcing teams, the data points to an early peak season and tighter planning around inbound inventory before possible tariff changes.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk
