US ports handle 2.23 mn TEUs in Dec as 2025 closes slightly softer

China-related weakness remained the key drag on overall performance. Imports from China fell 1 per cent month on month in December and were down 21.8 per cent YoY, with China’s share of total US container imports dropping to 31.7 per cent, the lowest December share in six years. This compares with 38.1 per cent in December 2024 and more than 41 per cent during the pandemic-driven peaks of 2020 and 2021, Descartes said in its January Global Shipping Report.

The impact of this shift was evident across the top ten countries of origin. In December 2025, combined US containerised imports from these origins fell 8.4 per cent YoY, representing a net decline of 143,200 TEUs. China alone accounted for a loss of 196,730 TEUs, more than the total contraction, while India recorded a 15 per cent fall, Taiwan 13.2 per cent, South Korea 7.1 per cent and Italy 1 per cent.

In contrast, Southeast Asia continued to gain share as sourcing diversification accelerated. Vietnam increased shipments by 48,889 TEUs, up 21.5 per cent, Thailand rose by 24,511 TEUs or 28.3 per cent, and Indonesia added 9,527 TEUs, up 19.6 per cent. Smaller gains were also seen from Japan, up 1.7 per cent, and Hong Kong, up 1.1 per cent.

Port performance improved modestly during the month. The report said transit time delays eased across East and Gulf Coast gateways, while West Coast conditions remained stable with no signs of widespread congestion.

“For US importers, 2025 was a year marked by volatility, uncertainty and slightly softening demand compared to 2024,” said Jackson Wood, director of industry strategy at Descartes. “As the new year begins, global supply chains continue to grapple with numerous factors weighing on logistics costs and complexities, including ongoing tariff uncertainty, uneven sourcing shifts, and elevated geopolitical risk.”

Descartes noted that the outlook for early 2026 remains cautious, with pending US-China tariff decisions, Red Sea security risks and wider geopolitical tensions likely to continue shaping trade flows and freight markets.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)