December U.S. container imports post small month-over-month increase, closing 2025 just under 2024 totals

In December 2025, U.S. container imports totaled 2,227,316 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), increasing 2% from November. Despite the small month-over-month increase, year-over-year imports declined and full-year totals ultimately finished 0.4% below 2024 levels, as the suspected early-year frontloading gave way to slower growth, shifting sourcing patterns, and persistent policy uncertainty. China-origin imports continued to weaken in December, while Southeast Asian countries gained share, partially offsetting declines across the top countries of origin (CoO).

Operational conditions improved across East and Gulf Coasts ports, while West Coast transit times saw minimal overall change. At the same time, West Coast ports expanded their share of U.S. imports while East and Gulf Coast volumes moved lower. On the policy front, delayed tariff increases and scaled-back trade actions provided limited near-term relief, but broader uncertainty—including U.S.–China trade tensions, ongoing Red Sea disruptions, and elevated geopolitical risk tied to developments in Venezuela —continues to shape the global shipping environment entering 2026.