March U.S. Container Imports Show Strong Growth Despite Escalating Tariffs

In March 2025, U.S. container imports continued to perform well, increasing 6.3% over February and 11% year-over-year. While part of the growth reflects the additional business days in March, it also reinforces the strong performance at the beginning of the year in January when volumes surpassed 2.4 million TEUs. March’s total of 2,380,674 TEUs marked the third-highest volume ever recorded for the month, trailing only March 2022 and March 2021. Notably, March also saw a shift in port dynamics, with East and Gulf Coast ports overtaking West Coast ports in market share for the first time in nine months. At the same time, transit delays improved significantly across all major ports, suggesting that infrastructure and processing capacity are keeping pace with rising volumes. 

In March 2025, U.S. imports from China totaled 762,830 TEUs, representing a 12.6% decline from February yet a 9.4% increase over the same month last year. The drop follows the implementation of a 10% U.S. tariff on February 4 and an additional 10% on March 4. While March volumes remain well below the July 2024 peak of 1,022,913 TEUs, China continues to be the U.S.’s top maritime trade partner, though escalating tariffs could disrupt volumes in the months ahead. 

Descartes’ April logistics update reports strong U.S. container import performance, despite rising trade-related and geopolitical challenges. March saw a solid rebound in volumes, continuing the positive momentum at the start of the year. This growth came in the face of increasingly volatile global conditions, including the escalation of U.S. tariff policy against key trade partners. This update emphasizes that evolving trade policies, shifting port dynamics, and ongoing instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are complicating global supply chains. As the logistics environment grows more unpredictable, businesses face heightened risks of disruption. 

In March 2025, U.S. container import volumes continued to perform well, totaling 2,380,674 TEUs for an increase of 6.3% over February (see Figure 1). Compared to March 2024, March 2025 imports posted an 11% increase and were 33.9% higher than the same month in pre-pandemic 2019. For the first three months of 2025, total volumes are 8.4% higher than the same period in 2024. 

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

March import volume was the third highest on record for the month, trailing March 2022 by 177,347 TEUs and March 2021 by 145,681 TEUs (see Figure 2). Observing the seasonal, post-pandemic trend of February-to-March increases, March 2025 increased by 141,732 TEUs (6.3%) over last month.  

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

Source: Descartes Datamyne™ 

In March 2025, container import volumes at the top 10 U.S. ports increased by 116,529 TEUs overall (see Figure 3), rebounding from an 11.2% drop (234,604 TEUs) last month. Only one port saw a volume decrease: Los Angeles (down 5.9%) though Long Beach was up only marginally (0.3%). The remaining eight ports experienced increases, with the largest volume growth at Norfolk (up 27.9%), Houston (up 19.5%) and Philadelphia (up 17.8%). Philadelphia also edged out Seattle for the last position in the top 10 for March. 

Figure 3: February 2025 to March 2025 Comparison of Import Volumes at Top 10 U.S. Ports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™ 

In March 2025, U.S. imports from China (762,830 TEUs) decreased 12.6% over February (872,779 TEUs). The top three commodity categories (HS-2 codes) for imports were HS-94 (Furniture, Bedding, etc.), HS-39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof), and HS-84 (Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery, etc.). Despite the month-over-month decline, volumes increased 9.4% (697,375) year-over-year, demonstrating ongoing demand for Chinese goods, even while down 25.4% from the all-time high (1,022,913 TEUs) in July 2024 (see Figure 4). Interestingly, China’s share of total U.S. imports in March 2025 (32.0%) was similar in both March 2024 (32.5%) and in March 2023 (31.6%). These percentages also mark the smallest monthly share in each of the three years and are all significantly lower than the peak monthly share of 41.5% recorded in February 2022. 

This year, volumes in March were likely influenced in part by the cumulative effect of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. A 10% tariff was imposed on February 4, followed by an additional 10% tariff on March 4, bringing the total to 20% on many Chinese exports. The full impact of these tariff changes may further unfold in the coming months as importers adjust sourcing strategies and shipment schedules to mitigate rising costs.​ 

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced an additional 34% tariff on Chinese imports, effective April 9, raising the total tariff rate on many Chinese goods to 54%. In retaliation, China announced on April 4 that it would impose a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, effective April 10. In response, President Trump imposed an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, also effective April 9, bringing the total U.S. tariff rate on many Chinese imports to 104%. However, on April 9, President Trump further increased the tariff on imports from China to 125% in order to further pressure Beijing into negotiation. These developments are expected to further impact trade volumes between the two countries in the coming months. 

Figure 4: March 2024–March 2025 Comparison of U.S. Total and Chinese TEU Container Volume Relative to Chinese Import Record 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In March 2025, U.S. container import volume from the top 10 countries of origin (CoO) increased marginally by 8,857 TEUs, or 0.5% compared to February (see Figure 5). Among these countries, China saw the largest drop, down 109,949 TEUs, followed by Hong Kong (down 4,571 TEUs). All other countries in the top 10 experienced increases, with Germany (up 39.6%), Thailand (up 35.7%) and Japan (33.4%) leading the pack. 

Figure 5: February 2025 to March 2025 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

Over the past six years, while China has remained by far the dominant CoO by volume for U.S. imports, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and South Korea have emerged as significant growth markets. From 2018 to 2024, Vietnam’s import volume more than doubled, rising by 131%, while Thailand (91%), India (63%) and South Korea (58%) also saw significant growth (see Figure 6). Indonesia’s import volume grew by 37%. In contrast, imports from Germany, Japan, and Hong Kong have either declined or remained flat relative to 2018 levels (see Figure 6).  

These trends reflect broader shifts in global sourcing strategies, as companies increasingly diversify supply chains away from China and traditional Western suppliers toward emerging manufacturing hubs in Asia. However, the anticipated implementation of new U.S. tariffs—targeting a wide range of countries—could disrupt these patterns.  

Figure 6: 2018–2024 Comparison of Import Growth for Top 10 Countries of Origin. 

Source: Descartes Datamyne

In March 2025, East Coast ports surpassed West Coast ports in container import volume for the first time in nine months, reflecting a notable shift in trade flows. East Coast ports accounted for 43% of total U.S. imports, up 2.4% from February, while West Coast ports fell to 39.4%, down 3.4% from February. The combined share of the top 10 U.S. ports declined slightly to 82.5%, down 0.9% from the previous month (see Figure 7). 

This change may be partially driven by the February/March combined 20% tariff on Chinese imports disproportionately impacting West Coast ports, which handle the majority of U.S.–Asia container traffic. As tariffs on Chinese goods are expected to rise to 125% in April, this trend may continue as companies work to mitigate rising costs amid an evolving tariff landscape. 

Figure 7: Volume Analysis for Top Ports, West Coast Ports and East and Gulf Coast Ports 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

In March 2025, transit delays improved across all top 10 U.S. ports. The largest decreases were at Oakland (down 2.1 days), Los Angeles (down 1.9 days), and Savannah (down 1.7 days), signaling easing congestion (see Figure 8). Several East Coast ports, including New York/New Jersey, Charleston, and Norfolk also saw meaningful improvements. The Gulf Coast port Houston experienced a modest reduction of 0.4 days, while Tacoma and Seattle saw smaller declines of 0.3 and 0.2 days, respectively. 

Figure 8: Monthly Average Transit Delays (in days) for the Top 10 Ports (Jan. 2025 – Mar. 2025) 

Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Note: Descartes’ definition of port transit delay is the difference as measured in days between the Estimated Arrival Date, which is initially declared on the bill of lading, and the date when Descartes receives the CBP-processed bill of lading data. 

In March 2025, Gulf Coast container imports rose to 233,816 TEUs, marking a strong 14.4% increase over February’s 204,421 TEUs (see Figure 9). This recovery follows February’s 10.9% drop over January, which had brought volumes to their lowest level since November 2023. March volumes bring Gulf Coast imports back in line with recent historical averages, just slightly above the 12-month average of approximately 225,632 TEUs. 

Figure 9: April 2024 to March 2025 U.S. Gulf Coast Container Imports 

U.S. trade tensions have escalated sharply in early 2025 with a wave of new tariffs. After imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods in February and raising it to 20% in March, the U.S. added a 34% tariff effective April 9, bringing the total to 54%. In response to China’s 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports taking effect April 10, the U.S. implemented an additional 50% tariff on April 9, raising the total tariff rate on many Chinese goods to 104%. On April 9, President Trump further increased the tariff on Chinese imports to 125% and also announced a 90-day pause on the implementation of increased tariffs for over 75 countries that had sought negotiations, reducing the reciprocal tariff rate to 10% during this period. 

These aggressive trade actions are driving up import costs and adding major uncertainty to global supply chains. If tensions continue, experts warn these policies could slow economic growth, fuel inflation, and increase the risk of a recession later in 2025. 

Despite a Houthi-declared ceasefire earlier this year, Red Sea shipping remains limited as major carriers like Maersk and CMA CGM continue to avoid the route due to ongoing security concerns. Although no recent attacks have been reported, the fragile ceasefire—tied to the broader Gaza conflict—has not reassured shippers. Tensions flared again in March 2025, when the U.S. launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen following renewed attacks on commercial vessels. The region remains unstable, keeping shipping costs elevated and supply chains disrupted.

In March 2025, U.S. container imports rebounded following February’s seasonal dip but significant challenges remain for global supply chains. The continued escalation of U.S. tariffs—particularly on Chinese goods—and retaliatory measures from key partners are increasing import costs and prompting shifts in sourcing and routing strategies. At the same time, instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe continues to disrupt major trade corridors, including the Red Sea. As these pressures build, businesses face growing uncertainty and must remain agile to help manage risks, ensure continuity, and adapt to rapidly changing global conditions. Here’s what Descartes will be closely monitoring in 2025: 

• Expanded tariffs and other potential ‘protectionist’ trade policies. Broader and deeper tariffs applied to a wide array of goods could compel U.S. importers to significantly re-engineer their supply chains, putting additional pressure on global logistics infrastructure. The U.S. administration’s rapid escalation of tariffs—now totaling up to 125% on Chinese goods–may be reshaping global trade flows and are prompting U.S. importers to reevaluate sourcing strategies. Imports from China declined 12.6% from February, in part reflecting the early impact of new tariffs, though year-over-year volumes grew by 9.4%. As protectionist trade policies deepen with additional tariffs expected to be implemented in April on top CoOs for container imports, further strain on global logistics infrastructure is expected, with businesses increasingly compelled to redesign supply chains to manage costs and mitigate risk. 
• Monthly TEU volumes between 2.4M and 2.6M. This level remains a key pressure point for U.S. ports and inland logistics networks. While March 2025 volumes were just under 2.4 million TEUs, overall infrastructure held steady and port transit times improved across major gateways. Sustained volumes at or above this range, however, may still pose operational challenges, particularly in regions with limited capacity or ongoing congestion. 
• Port transit wait times. If they decrease, it’s an indication of improved global supply chain efficiencies or that the demand for goods and logistics services is declining. In March 2025, port transit delays improved across all major U.S. ports, signaling easing congestion despite rising import volumes. 
• The economy. The U.S. is an import-driven economy, so economic health is an important indicator of container import volumes. Following the March Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% as inflation held at 2.8%. The March jobs report showed continued labor market strength, with 228,000 jobs added, though the unemployment rate edged up slightly to 4.2% amid increased labor force participation. While the economy remains stable, ongoing tariff actions and geopolitical uncertainty could undermine economic stability. 
• Middle East conflict. Houthi-related threats have continued to divert carriers from the Suez Canal, forcing longer, costlier routes around the Cape of Good Hope. While a ceasefire was declared earlier this year, major shipping lines remain wary due to the fragile security situation and recent U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. As a result, most carriers have yet to resume Red Sea transits. The ceasefire’s impact on overall cargo volumes and port delays has remained limited for East and Gulf Coast ports, but further escalation could disrupt global trade lanes more significantly. 

In March, U.S. container import volumes rebounded from February’s seasonal slowdown, signaling continued strength in trade despite growing logistical and policy headwinds. Port transit times improved across top ports, reflecting operational efficiencies even as import volumes rose. However, conflict in the Middle East and ongoing Red Sea disruptions still present uncertainty for global shipping. The greatest challenge remains the rapid escalation of trade barriers, as aggressive U.S. tariffs and retaliatory actions may fundamentally reshape sourcing patterns and put new stress on supply chains. Descartes will continue to track these developments using Descartes Datamyne, alongside government and industry data, to help importers stay informed and responsive. 

Short-term: 

• Consider modelling the impacts of increased tariffs on imported goods and whether a change in sourcing strategy could mitigate potentially higher costs.  
• Monitor port volumes and delays to assess the possibility of trade disruptions if volumes are within 2.4M and 2.6M levels that have historically stressed U.S. maritime logistics infrastructure. 
• Track the Middle East conflict as carriers remain cautious about returning to the Red Sea despite the ongoing Houthi ceasefire. 
• Evaluate the impact of inflation and the Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Hamas conflicts on logistics costs and capacity constraints. Ensure that key trading partners are not on sanctions lists.  

Near-term:  

• For companies that have cargo moving through the Suez Canal, evaluate the impact of extended rerouting caused by Middle East conflicts. 

Long-term:  

• Evaluate supplier and factory location density to mitigate reliance on over-taxed trade lanes and regions of the globe that have the potential for conflict. Density creates economy of scale but also risk, and subsequent logistics capacity crisis highlights the downside. Conflicts do not happen “overnight” so now is the time to address this potentially business disrupting issue.