U.S. containerized import volumes declined in September 2025, reflecting both seasonal softening and increased caution among importers ahead of key trade policy deadlines. According to the October Global Shipping Report from Descartes Systems Group, total inbound volumes for September declined by -8.4% from August and by -8.4% year-over-year.

As reported by Logistics Management, September ranked as the fifth-highest month for container volumes in 2025, with year-to-date volumes up 1.9%. According to Descartes, this suggests that import activity remains moderately strong despite the recent decline.

While the month-over-month decrease aligns with seasonal trends observed in eight of the past ten years, Descartes pointed out that the larger decline this year reflects the “heightened sensitivity to tariff deadlines as importers continue to adjust shipment flows”.

China was the largest contributor to the decline. U.S.-bound imports from China contracted by -12.3% from August and -22.9% year-over-year. “After two months of elevated volumes, U.S. container imports dropped in September, led by a significant pullback in volumes from China,” said Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy at Descartes.

Descartes data showed a wide range of Chinese export categories experienced double-digit declines. Aluminum and related products experienced the steepest drop of -43.8%, driven by the increase in tariffs from 25% to 50% that took effect in June 2025. Furniture and bedding, which represent the largest import category from China, fell by -22.3% year-over-year. New tariffs on imported furniture, lumber, and cabinets, ranging from 10% to 25%, are already in effect and are scheduled to increase further in 2026. 

The contraction in import volumes is not limited to China. According to data from Decartes, cited by Logistics Management in its report, imports from the top ten source countries collectively fell by -9.4% month-over-month, resulting in a reduction of 169,129 TEUs. Countries experiencing double-digit declines include Italy (-15.1%), South Korea (-14.1%), Germany (-11.6%), Hong Kong (-11.2%), and Taiwan (-10.2%).

U.S. importers are closely monitoring the November 10 expiration of the U.S.–China tariff truce, as well as newly imposed port fees from both countries. These developments come amid rising trade tensions and are contributing to increased caution in shipment planning. According to Wood, “With the 90-day tariff truce set to expire in mid-November, China’s share of U.S. imports remains sensitive to both policy outcomes and underlying market dynamics.”

Source: Descartes Group, Logistics Management, DC Velocity