US ports logged 2.37m TEU in September as tariff-driven surge cools

US container ports handled 2.37 million TEU of loaded imports in September, up 12.6% year on year and the busiest month of 2026, according to the Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The same report now forecasts volumes tapering through the fourth quarter and falling in early 2027.

September was the third-busiest month since Global Port Tracker began keeping records. Only July 2025, at 2.39 million TEU, and May 2022, at 2.4 million TEU, exceeded it. Ports have not yet reported October figures; the report forecasts 2.26 million TEU for the month, up 9.1% year on year.

The strong numbers came at an operational cost. NRF vice-president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said backups have built at some ports, particularly on the West Coast.

"Unfortunately, these volumes have led to backups at some ports, particularly on the West Coast where cargo has sat for extended periods waiting to be transferred to rail cars," Gold said. He also flagged "the threat of a strike at the nation's largest port complex in recent days" but noted that "most holiday merchandise is already here, and retailers are working closely with their supply chain partners to ensure that the supply of holiday gifts continues to flow smoothly."

What did the tariff timeline do to import volumes?

Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett traced the extended peak season directly to tariff timing. He said 2026 followed a pattern set in 2025, when retailers front-loaded merchandise ahead of tariff increases.

"At the start of 2026, that surge appeared to have ended after the Supreme Court struck down high 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Expectations of another extended peak season consequently faded," Hackett said. "However, new tariffs introduced in the second quarter prompted a renewed surge in imports beginning in May that continued through mid-October. Consumer spending supported this influx, with households continuing to buy despite rising inflation."

Note what the forecast does not say. The surge ended in mid-October, yet volumes stay above 2 million TEU through December. Tapering, in this report, means slower growth, not contraction.

Was the Los Angeles strike threat resolved?

A strike was avoided at the start of November. ILWU Local 26, which represents watchmen at several container terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, reached a short-term contract extension with the Pacific Maritime Association.

The arrangement is fragile. The contract has been extended three times, a few days at a time, most recently through 20 November. No long-term agreement exists. The previous contract expired in July 2025.

What does the forecast force for sourcing plans?

The numbers point to a softer first quarter. January 2027 imports are forecast at 2.04 million TEU, down 3% year on year. February is projected at 1.89 million TEU, down 0.5%. March is expected at 1.92 million TEU, down 11.2%.

For the full year, Global Port Tracker puts total US imports for 2026 at 26 million TEU, up 2% from 25.4 million TEU in 2025. The first half of 2026 recorded 12.7 million TEU, up 1.1% against the same period last year.

November is projected at 2.05 million TEU, up 1.2%; December at 2.03 million TEU, up 1.3%.

For sourcing teams, the decision is timing. Front-loading has run its course, the March 2027 figure implies year-on-year destocking, and a live contract dispute at the largest US port complex remains unresolved past 20 November. Anyone shipping into Los Angeles or Long Beach in December should plan for the possibility that a fourth extension does not arrive.