Key facts
- U.S. container imports rose 8.2% year-over-year in June.
- The Port of Los Angeles processed a record 892,340 TEUs in June.
- Importers front-loaded shipments to avoid anticipated tariff increases and rising fuel costs.
- Imports from China increased by 27.4% year-over-year in June.
- Overall imports for the first half of 2026 decreased by 0.3% compared to the prior year.
U.S. container imports saw a significant surge of 8.2% in June compared to the previous year, driven by importers rushing to bring in goods ahead of anticipated tariff increases and rising transportation costs. The Port of Los Angeles reported its busiest June on record, processing 892,340 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an 8% increase year-over-year. This surge was partly fueled by retailers stocking up on year-end holiday merchandise earlier than usual and a brief tariff reduction on certain goods.
Analysts and shippers noted that many importers moved cargo early to preempt a July 1 increase in ocean freight costs, which were expected to rise due to higher fuel expenses linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Additionally, new tariffs related to forced labor were anticipated to be imposed by the U.S. at the end of July.
China was a major contributor to the import growth, with volumes from the country jumping 27.4% year-over-year to 814,474 TEUs in June. The Port of Los Angeles saw loaded imports increase by 10% to 470,450 TEUs, while loaded exports rose 3% to 126,144 TEUs. Empty containers also increased by 7% to 295,746 units, indicating a repositioning of containers back to Asia.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, the Port of Los Angeles processed 10.5 million TEUs, marking the third consecutive year it has exceeded the 10 million TEU threshold without vessel backlogs. The first half of 2025 saw cumulative handling of 4,955,812 TEUs, up 5% year-over-year. However, for the first half of 2026, overall imports were down 0.3% from the same period in 2025.