U.S. container imports in December 2025 grew by 2% compared to November, but were down 5.9% year-over-year. Full-year volumes finished 0.4% below 2024 levels. While imports from China continued to decline, gains from Southeast Asia, especially from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, helped offset some of the downturn.
West Coast ports increased their share of imports, while delays at East and Gulf Coast ports improved. Overall, port conditions remained stable.
Broader uncertainty, including U.S.–China trade tensions, ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, and heightened geopolitical risks linked to Venezuela, continues to impact the global shipping environment as 2026 begins.