Ports Brace for Increase in Cargo Levels During Tariff Pause

Import cargo at major container ports in the U.S. is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers – including lighting showrooms – take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is the busiest time of the year for retailers as they enter the back-to-school season and prepare for the fall-winter holiday season,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF’s vp/supply chain & customs policy. “Retailers had paused their purchases and imports previously because of the significantly high tariffs. They are now looking to get those orders and cargo moving in order to bring as much merchandise into the country as they can before the reciprocal tariff and additional China tariff pauses end in July and August. Retailers want to ensure consumers will be able to find the products they need and want at prices they can afford. Unfortunately, there is still considerable uncertainty as to what will happen after the pauses end. We strongly encourage the administration to continue negotiating agreements with our trading partners in order to restore predictability and stability to the supply chain.”

Gold said many retailers suspended or canceled orders after the Trump administration announced a 145% tariff on China in April, but have resumed imports after tariffs were reduced to 30% and a 90-day pause that will last until August 12 was announced. The higher reciprocal tariffs on other nations have also been paused until July 9 as the administration negotiates with those countries.

“Our projections show that May saw a significant reduction in imports as shippers responded to the higher tariff environment,” said Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett. “However, tariff reductions will lead to a surge in imports in June through August as importers take advantage of the various 90-day pauses. The peak for the winter holidays will come early this year, making it simultaneous with the peak for the back-to-school season. If higher tariffs are not delayed again, we can expect the final four months of the year to see declining volumes of imports.”