U.S. Container Imports Drop in January 2026

Shipments from China decline 22.7% as trade activity normalizes

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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U.S. ports handled 6.8% fewer container imports in January 2026 compared to the previous year, with shipments from China dropping 22.7% and accounting for one-third of total imports. The trend signals a more normalized trade environment shaped by steady demand rather than the previous tariff-driven frontloading activity.

Why it matters

U.S. container imports are a key economic indicator, reflecting consumer demand and the impacts of trade policies. The decline in imports, especially from China, suggests a shift towards more stable trade patterns after the volatility caused by previous tariff disputes.

The details

Total U.S. container imports reached 2,318,722 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January 2026, exceeding the historical average for the month. However, this represented a 6.8% drop from the previous January, when companies rushed to import goods ahead of expected tariff increases.

  • In January 2026, U.S. container imports fell 6.8% compared to January 2025.
  • Imports from China totaled 771,093 TEUs in January 2026, down 22.7% from January 2025.

The players

Descartes Systems Group

A supply chain technology provider that monitors and reports on U.S. container import data.

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The takeaway

The decline in U.S. container imports, particularly from China, suggests a return to more normalized trade patterns after the volatility caused by previous tariff disputes. This could signal a stabilization of the economic environment and consumer demand, though the long-term impacts of shifting trade policies remain to be seen.