Descartes releases March Global Shipping Report: February U.S. container imports continue strong performance amid trade tensions

Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released its March Global Shipping Report for logistics and supply chain professionals. In February 2025, U.S. container imports declined 10% over January, but increased by 4.7% compared to the same month last year. Month-over-month results were expected to be smaller as February was a shorter month by three business days this year and because of the traditional seasonal decline in volumes from January to February. At 2,238,942 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), however, February 2025 posted the second-highest volume on record for the month.

Imports from China were down 12.5% from January to February, which contributed to volume declines at the top West Coast ports. Year-over-year, however, Chinese imports were up 7.9% over February 2024. The March update of the logistics metrics Descartes is tracking shows strong performance in early 2025, even with a typical seasonal softening of volumes in February compared to January. The update also highlights the growing complexity of the global trade landscape, as volatility associated with evolving tariff and trade policies and ongoing geopolitical instability may create challenges for businesses navigating a more unpredictable environment.

U.S. container imports remain strong even with traditional seasonal decline.

February U.S. container import volumes were 2,238,942 TEUs, marking a 10% decrease from January but a 4.7% increase when compared to February 2024 (see Figure 1). Overall, for the first two months of the year, total U.S. container imports increased 7.2% over 2024.

Figure 1. U.S. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison

February’s import volume was the second highest for the month, trailing February 2022 by just 73,341 TEUs (see Figure 2). The January–February 2025 decline of 248,528 TEUs is closely aligned with the average seasonal month-over-month decrease of 251,266 TEUs observed from 2020 to 2024.

Figure 2: January to February U.S. Container Import Volume Comparison

“Despite an expected seasonal decline in volumes, a shorter month for sailings and a Chinese Lunar New Year that extended through to February 12, overall U.S. container imports performed well in February. While these same factors contributed to a month-over-month decrease in imports from China, the impact of February’s 10% tariff on the decline is difficult to gauge,” said Jackson Wood, Director, Industry Strategy at Descartes. “Global trade conditions are clearly becoming more challenging with new and potential U.S. tariff changes amid escalating trade tensions with multiple countries. This heightened volatility creates growing uncertainty for global supply chains as businesses grapple with considerations such as moving manufacturing and sourcing facilities, working with new trading partners, evolving sanctions on particular goods and countries, and the impact of further tariff changes.”