U.S. Container Imports Hit Record High as China Trade Surges, Port Delays Mount

October 2026 container imports reached an all-time high of 2.67 million TEUs, according to Descartes, as China-origin cargo rebounded, East and Gulf Coast ports gained ground, and global shipping faced continued uncertainty over trade policy, maritime security and critical shipping routes. U.S. container imports surged to an all-time monthly record in October 2026, reaching 2,674,808 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an increase of 5% from September and 16% compared with October 2025, according to the November Global Shipping Report from Descartes Systems Group. The October total surpassed the previous record of 2,622,465 TEUs, established in May 2022, by more than 52,000 TEUs. Through the first 10 months of 2026, U.S. container imports were 2.3% ahead of the corresponding period in 2025, marking a significant turnaround after volumes trailed last year's pace through much of 2026. The results reflect sustained cargo demand, a substantial recovery in imports from China and changing cargo flows through major U.S. gateways. However, the record volumes also coincide with growing port delays, evolving trade policies and persistent geopolitical risks affecting international shipping.

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