Import cargo volume at the nationās major container ports is expected to rebound this month after a double-digit drop in late spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released July 9 by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
However, the import volume is forecasted to fall again after previously paused tariffs take effect in August. President Donald Trump on July 7 signed an executive order delaying āreciprocalā tariffs until Aug. 1.
āThe tariff situation remains highly fluid and retailers are working hard to stock up for the holiday season before the various tariffs that have been announced and paused actually take effect,ā NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement.
In May, the latest month with available data, imports were down 11.8% from April and down 6.4% year over year.
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projected June imports to be up 5.9% from May but down 3.7% year over year.
