Record level of US container import method in transactions

As Reuters pointed out, U.S. container imports rose to 4.7% as of February. This increase brought the total to more than 2.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking the second highest volume in February. Despite the increase, future forecasts suggest trends as trade frictions with China and other major partners intensify.

Also read: In tariff strategy, U.S. high container imports continue

It is worth noting that imports from China grew by 7.9%, driven by consumer spending and preemptive imports. Given the logistics of U.S. trade routes, these tariffs mainly affect marine commodities, and commodities in Mexico and Canada are mainly transported by land.

Industry experts from Descartes highlighted the growing complexity in global trade terms amid new U.S. tariffs and trade tensions escalate. Recently, the United States has raised current relevant tariffs on Chinese goods, which are expected to be further tariffs expected on April 2, including non-tariff measures to address trade imbalances.

Parallel to these developments, China’s export data show a slowdown in momentum, affected by front loads in the United States and domestic factory closures during the Lunar New Year.

In retaliation, China imposed additional tariffs on certain U.S. imports, while formally challenging the previous U.S. tariff policies of the World Trade Organization.

Information in the index box suggests that these geopolitical tensions could impact subsequent trade volumes as stakeholders closely monitor evolving tariff policies and international responses.

Source: Index Box Market Intelligence Platform