Data from Descartes Systems Group shows U.S. container import volumes reached 2,318,722 twenty-foot equivalent units in January 2026. This figure represents a 4.1% increase from December 2025 but is 6.8% lower than the volume recorded in January 2025.
Read also: U.S. Container Imports Down 6.8% in January 2026 from Record 2025 High
Despite the year-over-year decrease, the January 2026 import level was slightly above the six-year average for the month and was 11.8% higher than the volume from January 2019. The report indicates the current import environment appears more normalized, with importers becoming conditioned to ongoing trade policy volatility rather than reacting to it, unlike a suspected frontloading of goods seen in early 2025 ahead of anticipated tariff changes.
Imports from the top ten countries of origin collectively increased by 7.0% month-over-month in January. Growth was led by China, with a 9.3% increase equating to 65,304 TEUs, and India, with a 22.0% increase of 18,643 TEUs. Other significant gains came from Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Only Italy and South Korea saw declines among the top ten.
However, while China-origin imports rose from December, they were down 22.7% compared to January 2025. Port transit delays showed only modest changes in January, with no indications of widespread congestion. Industry analysis suggests ongoing tariff uncertainty and persistent geopolitical risk continue to create a cautious trade environment and complicate planning for importers.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform