US container imports rose 3.8% from July to 2.6 million TEUs in August, the third-highest monthly total on record, according to Descartes. Only May 2022 and July 2025 were higher, at about 2.62 million TEUs each. August volumes were also 3.3% above a year earlier and 21.5% above August 2019. The increase came despite expectations earlier this year that retailers would pull forward cargo ahead of tariffs and then ease imports through late summer.
China remained the largest source, but its share slipped to 34% from 34.8% in July as other Asian suppliers grew faster. China-origin imports rose 1.3%, while Vietnam gained 5.2%, Thailand 10.4% and Indonesia 19.5%.
Eight of the 10 largest US gateways also posted gains. New York/Newark rose 7.2% and Savannah 9.2%. East and Gulf Coast ports increased their share of imports to 40.7% from 39.8% in July.
The peak is now expected to stretch into September. NRF and Hackett Associates forecast 2.31 million TEUs for the month, which would make it the busiest of 2026 and 9.6% above September 2025.
NRF said vessel delays caused by bad weather in China and rerouting away from the Panama Canal helped push cargo later into the season, while consumer demand has kept retailers importing. Descartes also found transit delays increased at all major gateways in August, adding pressure to port, drayage and warehouse capacity.
