Source: Supply Chain Dive
Date: 11th June 2025

Retailers Rush to Ship Goods Ahead of Tariff Deadline, But Overall Demand Remains Below 2024 Levels

A temporary reduction in China-based tariffs is prompting U.S. retailers to ramp up imports this summer, according to projections from a leading port tracking report.

After a sharp drop in shipments from China earlier in the year due to steep reciprocal tariffs, shippers are now frontloading cargo during the 90-day reprieve. This move is expected to provide a short-term boost to Trans-Pacific volumes as companies work to bring in goods before the tariff pause ends in July and August.

Despite this uptick, total container volumes remain below last year’s levels. Forecasts for major U.S. ports show a decline in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) throughout the summer and fall, with June down 6.2% year over year, July down 8.1%, and August down 14.7%. September and October are expected to see even steeper drops, driven by comparisons to last year’s frontloading tied to labour concerns.

The current six-month projection of 12.54 million TEUs is a modest 3.7% increase over last year but still trails pre-tariff forecast levels.

Looking ahead, the peak shipping season for winter holidays is likely to align with back-to-school imports, compressing demand into a shorter window.

Analysts caution that unless another extension of reduced tariffs is granted, import volumes could decline sharply in the final quarter of the year.

The report continues to monitor container trends at key ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey, providing insight into the evolving impact of trade policy on retail supply chains.