U.S. Container Imports Set September Record as Port Delays Rise

September U.S. container imports reached 2,546,261 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the highest September volume on record, even as port transit delays increased at eight of the ten largest U.S. ports. The combination matters more than either figure alone: import demand reached a seasonal high while port-level delivery times showed fresh strain. The September data therefore describes both resilient buying and a less forgiving arrival network, not a clean all-clear for inventory planners.

September U.S. container imports reached 2,546,261 TEUs, a record for the month in Descartes’ series. Eight of the ten largest U.S. ports recorded higher transit delays.

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