U.S. Container Imports from China Plunge 28% Amid Tariff Pressures

U.S. imports of containerized goods from China dropped 28.3% year-over-year in June, according to supply chain technology firm Descartes (NASDAQ:DSGX). The sharp decline follows a similar drop in May, largely driven by increased tariffs and ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

Total U.S. container imports fell 3.5% from June 2024, totaling 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Imports from China reached just 639,300 TEUs, reflecting a continued shift in sourcing. China's share of U.S. imports fell to 28.8%, down significantly from the July 2024 peak of 40%, marking a steep reduction in key product categories such as furniture, toys, textiles, and footwear.

The decline comes after a period of heavy front-loading by U.S. importers who rushed shipments to beat tariff deadlines. As China’s export share shrinks, Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand have gained ground, offering alternative sourcing options for U.S. retailers and manufacturers.

Despite June’s downturn, overall U.S. ocean imports appear to be stabilizing. Descartes noted that year-to-date imports through June are tracking 3.8% above 2024 levels, though growth momentum has eased. “This isn’t as bad as it could have been,” said Jackson Wood, director of industry strategy at Descartes.

Uncertainty remains, however, as the U.S.-China trade truce that lowered punitive tariffs is set to expire on August 10. President Trump recently signed an executive order extending the current tariff reprieve from July 9 to August 1, signaling continued volatility in global trade flows.

With tariff risks looming, companies are expected to continue diversifying supply chains to mitigate exposure to future disruptions.