Global Shipping Report: October U.S. Container Imports Hit Record Volume

U.S. containerized imports totaled 2,674,808 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October 2026, up 5.0% from September and 16.0% from October 2025. October marked the highest monthly volume on record, exceeding the previous high set in May 2022 by 2.0%. Through the first 10 months of 2026, imports increased 2.3% from the same period last year.

China-origin imports rose for a fourth consecutive month to 987,805 TEUs, the highest monthly volume since January 2025. Imports from the top 10 countries of origin (CoO) increased 5.8% from September, with seven origins posting gains. East and Gulf Coast gateways gained share as Houston, Savannah, Norfolk, and Charleston increased volumes. Gulf Coast imports rebounded 24.0%, while port transit delays increased modestly at seven of the top 10 ports.

Trade and routing conditions continue to change. U.S. officials extend the suspension of specified China-related maritime fees, the Panama Canal expanded transit availability, while carriers added Suez-transit services subject to security conditions. Continued Middle East shipping incidents remain a concern for affected trade lanes. For importers, shifting trade conditions reinforce the need to monitor trade policy and port performance, evaluate sourcing and routing alternatives, and maintain flexibility in shipment and inventory planning.

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