US Container Imports Hit September Record

Maritime trade into the United States continues to show strong momentum. In September, US containerized imports reached 2.546 million TEUs, the highest level ever recorded for the month. Compared with September 2025, volumes increased by 10.3%.

The figures come from Descartes’ latest report and confirm the continued importance of the US market as one of the main drivers of global maritime transport. September’s volume was also 24.8% higher than in September 2019, before the pandemic.

During the first nine months of 2026, US containerized imports were up 0.8% compared with the same period in 2025. The September result is therefore particularly significant, especially as it followed an August in which volumes had reached even higher levels.

China back at the forefront

China was a major driver of the increase. In September, the United States imported 924,454 TEUs from China, accounting for 36.3% of all US containerized imports.

Compared with September last year, imports from China rose by 21.2%, while they increased by 4.5% compared with August.

The main categories of goods included plastics, furniture and household goods, toys and sporting goods, as well as machinery and electrical equipment. The increase in Chinese shipments therefore represents a significant part of the overall growth recorded by the United States.

West Coast gains ground

The new national record also highlights a shift in the distribution of cargo among the country’s main ports.

In September, several major West Coast ports recorded significant increases compared with August: Los Angeles +8.8%, Long Beach +5.9%, Oakland +14.4% and Tacoma +7%.

The picture was different on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, where several major gateways recorded declines. Houston fell by 16.5%, Savannah by 9.6%, New York/Newark by 5.1%, Norfolk by 13.4% and Charleston by 10.3%.

Overall, the five largest West Coast gateways handled 46.7% of US containerized imports, while the East Coast and Gulf Coast together accounted for 39.7%.

Routes and freight rates remain uncertain

The international shipping environment remains complex. Some services are gradually returning to the Suez Canal, but the security situation in the Red Sea continues to influence carriers’ strategies and route choices.

Freight rates also remain closely watched. According to ICIS, at the end of September, the cost of shipping a container from Asia to the US West Coast was approximately $7,400-$8,300 per FEU, while rates to the East Coast reached around $9,600-$11,500.

September’s record therefore points to a US market that remains highly active, while also highlighting how closely cargo volumes, ports, shipping routes and freight costs are becoming interconnected.