US imports are expected to slow as the extended peak shipping season begins to wind down. However, total imports for 2026 are forecast to remain above last year’s level, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
The report indicates that the peak season lasted longer than usual this year. Strong summer activity extended across several months, keeping port volumes relatively high.
In August 2026, US ports covered by the report handled 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). This was 0.7% lower than August 2025 but 0.4% higher than July 2026.
September imports were projected to reach 2.28 million TEU, up 8.2% year over year. October volumes were forecast at 2.25 million TEU, an increase of 8.5%. November was expected to record 2 million TEU, down 1%, while December was projected at 2.02 million TEU, up 0.6%.
According to the forecast, US imports could total 25.8 million TEU in 2026, representing a 1.4% increase from 25.4 million TEU in 2025. Imports during the first half of 2026 reached 12.7 million TEU, up 1.1% compared with the same period last year.
Looking ahead, January 2027 imports are forecast at 2.07 million TEU, down 1.9% year over year. February is projected to reach 1.92 million TEU, an increase of 1%.
Jonathan Gold, NRF’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy, said most holiday merchandise had arrived. He added that the remaining months would focus on last-minute replenishment and preparations for early 2027.
The Global Port Tracker is produced for the NRF by Hackett Associates. It monitors historical data and forecasts for major US ports across the West Coast, East Coast and Gulf Coast.
