News
Imports to U.S. major container ports are expected to hit the two-million-TEU mark for the second month in a row in September and remain there in October, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. "These are strong numbers and a sign retailers are optimistic about the holiday season since they don't import merchandise unless they think they can sell it," NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.
The U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.91 million TEUs in July, up 4.4% from June but down 12.4% year over year. The ports have not yet reported August numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at two million TEUs, down 11.4% year over year but the first month since October 2022 to reach the two-million-TEU mark. September and October are both forecast at two million TEUs for a potential three-month streak. November is forecast at 1.96 million TEUs, up 10.4% year over year, and December at 1.94 million TEUs, up 12% year over year. Those numbers would bring 2023 to 22.3 million TEUs, down 12.5% from last year. January 2024 is forecast at 1.91 million, TEU, up 5.4% to begin the new year.
