September 10th, 2026 – Supply chain disruptions from typhoon-related vessel delays in China and tightening draft restrictions at the Panama Canal are extending the U.S. peak shipping season into September, which could become the busiest month for imports in 2026.
The latest Global Port Tracker, published by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, forecasts that 2.31 million TEUs of imports will move through major U.S. container ports in September. That would surpass July’s year-to-date high of 2.3 million TEUs.
Earlier forecasts suggested the traditional peak shipping season would largely wind down by September. However, a series of typhoons affecting key Chinese load ports, combined with worsening draft restrictions at the Panama Canal, has delayed cargo and forced some vessels to alter their routes.
At the same time, consumer demand has remained resilient despite tariffs, inflation and elevated fuel prices. Retailers continue to bring merchandise into the U.S. to replenish inventories and prepare for continued consumer spending.
Peak Season Shifts Later
The NRF had previously indicated that peak shipping activity was beginning to wind down in August, but ongoing disruptions have pushed elevated volumes further into September.
The outlook softens beyond September. Import forecasts for October, November and December have been revised downward from previous estimates, suggesting September could represent the high point for the remainder of the year.
Looking ahead to January 2027, the Global Port Tracker projects imports of approximately 2.09 million TEUs, down 1% compared with January 2026.
Imports from Asia Remain Strong
Recent import data also highlights the strength of U.S. container volumes this summer. According to PIERS data, U.S. imports from Asia reached 1.74 million TEUs in July, the highest monthly total recorded so far in 2026.
Imports from China alone reached 946,320 TEUs in July, also marking their highest monthly level of the year.
Import activity has remained relatively strong despite several challenges, including higher tariffs, elevated oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. While cargo continues to move through the supply chain, vessel delays and longer transit times are creating additional pressure for some shippers.
Holiday Cargo Continues to Arrive
Many retailers moved holiday merchandise earlier than usual this year, with peak-season activity beginning in earnest in May as importers frontloaded shipments ahead of U.S. tariff deadlines.
However, not all holiday inventory has arrived. Large retailers are expected to continue importing merchandise throughout the fall as they respond to consumer demand and manage inventory needs.
The combination of continued retail demand and ongoing transportation disruptions means importers should remain prepared for schedule changes, longer transit times and potential routing adjustments as peak-season cargo continues moving through the supply chain.
The Global Port Tracker monitors imports at 13 major U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami, Jacksonville and Houston.
