U.S. container imports declined 10% in February over January, but increased by 4.7% compared to the same month last year, showing “strong performance amid trade tensions” according to a report from Descartes Systems Group.
For context, month-over-month results were expected to be smaller as February was a shorter month by three business days this year and because of the traditional seasonal decline in volumes from January to February. But the results showed that the February drop was less than it might have been, reaching 2,238,942 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). That marked the second-highest volume on record for the month, trailing February 2022 by just 73,341 TEUs.
The update also highlights the growing complexity of the global trade landscape, as volatility associated with evolving tariff and trade policies and ongoing geopolitical instability may create challenges for businesses navigating a more unpredictable environment.
For example, imports from China were down 12.5% from January to February, which contributed to volume declines at the top West Coast ports. Year-over-year, however, Chinese imports were up 7.9% over February 2024.
“Despite an expected seasonal decline in volumes, a shorter month for sailings and a Chinese Lunar New Year that extended through to February 12, overall U.S. container imports performed well in February. While these same factors contributed to a month-over-month decrease in imports from China, the impact of February’s 10% tariff on the decline is difficult to gauge,” Jackson Wood, Director, Industry Strategy at Descartes, said in a release.
“Global trade conditions are clearly becoming more challenging with new and potential U.S. tariff changes amid escalating trade tensions with multiple countries. This heightened volatility creates growing uncertainty for global supply chains as businesses grapple with considerations such as moving manufacturing and sourcing facilities, working with new trading partners, evolving sanctions on particular goods and countries, and the impact of further tariff changes,” Wood said.
