NRF: Tariff uncertainty weighs on early-2026 imports
January imports are forecast at 2.11 million TEU, up from last month but down 5.3% from last year.
January imports are forecast at 2.11 million TEU, up from last month but down 5.3% from last year.
“We are seeing the results of the tariffs in weakening cargo demand going forward from the fourth quarter of this year and likely into the first half of next year.”
November and December are typically slower, but last year’s volumes rose due to port strike concerns, and early shipments this year to dodge tariffs shifted more cargo into earlier months.
“The trade outlook for the final months of the year is not optimistic.”