U.S. Container Imports Hit All-Time Monthly Record in October

U.S. container imports reached an all-time monthly record in October 2026, totaling 2,674,808 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). According to data from Descartes Systems Group, this volume represents a 5% increase from September and a 16% increase over October 2025, surpassing the previous record set in May 2022.

Growth was driven largely by a rebound in cargo from China, which accounted for 36.9% of all imports. While East and Gulf Coast ports, particularly Houston, saw significant gains, West Coast gateways including Los Angeles and Long Beach experienced declines. This surge in volume coincided with rising port delays, with average transit times across ten major gateways increasing to 6.3 days.

Industry pressures include labor negotiations at West Coast ports and maritime security incidents in the Middle East, where the International Maritime Organization recorded 129 confirmed shipping incidents in the Strait of Hormuz through November 5. In response to regional instability, Maersk announced plans to return its India–Europe ME1 Gemini service to the Suez Canal route.

To manage trade and flow, the Panama Canal Authority increased daily Neopanamax transit slots to 10 beginning October 15. Additionally, the United States Trade Representative extended the suspension of Section 301 maritime fees and duties targeting China through January 9, 2027.