U.S. container ports are experiencing a surge in import activity as retailers prepare for potential disruptions from increased tariffs and a possible East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike. The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates’ Global Port Tracker report anticipates heightened import volumes through spring 2025.
“A strike or broad tariffs would hurt the economy,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF’s VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy. “Retailers are frontloading goods to mitigate potential impacts, but we urge all parties to reach agreements quickly.” Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance have stalled, with the current contract extension expiring January 15.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for sweeping tariff increases add urgency. Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett emphasized the strain on supply chains, noting, “The window to avoid these disruptions is closing.”
In October, ports handled 2.25 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase. This growth trend is expected to continue into 2025.
