US Container Imports Fell in January, But Signals Normalized Trade

Descartes says the 6.8% decline points to steady demand rather than frontloading

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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U.S. seaports handled 6.8% less container import volume in January compared to the same month last year, when companies rushed to beat President Trump's tariffs, according to supply chain technology provider Descartes Systems Group. However, the January 2026 import total still exceeded the historical average, suggesting a more normalized trade environment driven by steady demand rather than frontloading activity.

Why it matters

U.S. container imports are a key economic indicator, reflecting consumer demand and the impact of trade policies. The January decline follows a surge in imports the prior year as companies rushed to beat tariffs, but the overall volume still points to healthy underlying demand.

The details

U.S. container imports totaled 2,318,722 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January 2026, down 6.8% from January 2025. Imports from China, which accounted for one-third of total U.S. imports last month, fell 22.7% year-over-year to 771,093 TEUs.

  • U.S. container imports totaled 2,318,722 TEUs in January 2026.
  • 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 analyzes U.S. container import data.

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What they’re saying

“U.S. container imports totaled 2,318,722 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January, exceeding the historical average for the month and likely pointing to a more normalized trade environment shaped by steady demand rather than frontloading activity.”

— Descartes Systems Group

The takeaway

The January 2026 decline in U.S. container imports, while significant, still points to healthy underlying demand rather than a broader economic slowdown. The data suggests trade is normalizing after the previous year's tariff-driven frontloading activity.