The peak import season at major US container ports is continuing longer than expected as strong consumer demand, weather-related vessel delays and rerouting from the Panama Canal sustain cargo volumes.
September is forecast to be the busiest month of the year with imports expected to reach 2.31 million TEU, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
The forecast represents a 9.6% increase compared with September 2025 and is slightly higher than the 2.3 million TEU handled in July.
“We thought the peak season would be mostly behind us by now but that’s not the case,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain And Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.
He attributed part of the shift to vessel delays caused by adverse weather in China and the rerouting of some vessels away from the Panama Canal amid potential drought conditions.
“But consumers keep buying despite tariffs, inflation and high fuel prices and retailers keep bringing in merchandise to meet demand,” Gold said.
Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said imports remained buoyant over the past three months despite tariff increases, inflation and higher fuel prices related to the conflict in Iran.
“Retail sales remain strong and cargo is moving relatively smoothly although there are reports of vessel delays and increased times required for cargo to move through the supply chain,” he said.
US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.3 million TEU in July – down 3.9% year on year but 3.2% higher than in June.
August volumes were projected at 2.29 million TEU, representing a year-on-year decline of 1.3%.
May was previously been expected to remain the busiest month of 2026 after retailers imported merchandise early to avoid possible tariff increases. However, sustained import volumes have extended the peak season into its traditional late summer and early autumn period.
Volumes are forecast to decline to 2.11 million TEU in October and about two million TEU in November and December.
Global Port Tracker expects US container imports to total 25.7 million TEU in 2026 – an increase of 1% compared with last year.
