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8/10/2026
Import volume at major North American ports will head downward after the end of August, according to the August edition of the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates LLC.
Total import cargo at more than a dozen U.S. and Canadian ports is anticipated to total 25.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2026, up a scant 0.1% from the 25.4 million TEUs handled in 2025, the report states.
The peak shipping season, which historically begins in late summer or fall, has started earlier in recent years.
“We had an early peak season this year as retailers brought in merchandise ahead of tariff changes in late July and responded to other uncertainties in the supply chain like the ongoing disruption brought by the conflict in Iran,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold in a press release. “One round of tariffs has been replaced with another, but retailers will be well stocked for the coming holiday season.”
Ports covered by Global Port Tracker in July handled 2.21 million TEUs, down 7.6% year over year. August is projected to be slightly higher at 2.22 million TEUs, but would still represent a 4.2% year-over-year decrease.
From September through November, import volume is expected to drop steadily, although remaining above 2025 levels. September is forecast at 2.16 million TEUs, up 2.8%; October at 2.13 million TEUs, up 2.7%; and November at 2.03 million TEUs, up 0.3%. December traffic is projected to pick up slightly at 2.06 million TEUs, which would represent a 2.5% gain over last year.