US container imports remained strong in August 2025 despite falling volumes from China and ongoing tariff uncertainty, reported LA-area's Global Trade.

American ports handled 2,519,722 TEU in August, down 3.9 per cent from July but 1.6 per cent higher than August 2024. It marked the second consecutive month above the 2.4 million TEU threshold that typically strains port infrastructure.

Transit delays at major US ports rose only slightly, indicating continued resilience in the face of elevated volumes and policy disruption.

Imports from China fell to 869,523 TEU in August, a 5.8 per cent month-on-month decline and 10.8 per cent below last year. Overall imports from the top 10 countries dropped 4.4 per cent, led by South Korea (down 11.8 per cent), Japan (down 14.5 per cent), and Taiwan (down 12.9 per cent). Only India and Indonesia posted gains.

For the first eight months of 2025, total US containerised imports are 3.3 per cent ahead of the same period last year, reflecting steady demand despite global trade volatility.

Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy at Descartes, said the sustained import levels highlight the combined effects of tariff policy and seasonal factors. He noted that legal disputes over key tariff measures, now before the Supreme Court, are adding uncertainty for importers