July 10th, 2025 – After a sharp decline in May, U.S. container imports saw a modest rebound in June 2025, signaling early signs of stabilization across global supply chains.
According to Descartes, U.S. ports handled 2,217,675 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in June – up 1.8% from the previous month. While imports remain down 3.5% year-over-year, year-to-date volumes are now tracking 3.8% ahead of 2024, reflecting how importers are adapting to ongoing tariff changes and trade policy adjustments.
West Coast Ports Drive Growth
Port activity on the U.S. West Coast showed strong momentum. The Port of Los Angeles led with a 29.1% volume increase, adding over 103,000 TEUs. Long Beach followed with an 18.8% gain, while Tacoma saw the sharpest growth at 33.3%.
In contrast, major East and Gulf Coast ports reported notable drops. Savannah’s volumes fell 16.9%, and Houston’s declined 15.8%. Despite regional differences, the top 10 U.S. ports together posted a 3.1% month-over-month increase in total volume.
China Imports Slump as Sourcing Diversifies
U.S. imports from China ticked up slightly by 0.4% in June to 639,300 TEUs, but they remain down 28.3% year-over-year. High tariffs and the rollback of the de minimis exemption continue to weigh on categories like furniture and plastics.
China’s share of total U.S. imports has now dropped to 28.8% – the lowest in four years – as companies diversify sourcing. Vietnam, for example, increased its U.S.-bound exports by 7.7% over May, underscoring the shift toward Southeast Asia.
Port Congestion Eases, Especially on West Coast
Port efficiency improved in June, with congestion easing at several key gateways. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach saw delays shrink by 2.1 and 3.3 days, respectively. While gains were more modest on the East and Gulf Coasts, overall transit times stabilized compared to May’s disruptions.
Trade Talks and Global Shipping Challenges Continue
As of July, U.S.–China trade talks are in a temporary holding pattern, with a framework agreement in the works. The tariff rate was reduced in May from 145% to 30%, but upcoming deadlines in July and August could reignite tensions if unresolved issues persist.
Meanwhile, instability in the Middle East – fueled by Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and ongoing Iran–Israel conflict – continues to disrupt global trade. Rerouted vessels have led to increased shipping costs and longer transit times.
[Descartes’] Key Recommendations for Navigating 2025:
- Stay alert to tariff shifts: Track key expiration dates and model impacts of possible increases to stay ahead of cost changes
- Monitor port performance: With congestion levels fluctuating, ongoing visibility into port throughput and delays is vital
- Evaluate geopolitical risks: Consider alternate routing strategies amid ongoing global disruptions
- Diversify sourcing: Reducing dependence on a single region is critical to building a resilient supply chain
Trans-Border will continue to monitor the situation and advise customers accordingly. Should you have any questions, contact us or give us a call at 518-785-6000.
