14/10/2026
--Retailers say extended peak shipping season winding down--
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates report that the U.S. container import peak season is gradually winding down after sustained high volumes throughout summer and early fall. August 2026 was the busiest month, with ports covered by the Global Port Tracker handling 2.3 million TEUs, down 0.7% year over year.
Imports are forecast to remain relatively strong in September and October before declining to 2 million TEUs in November. Most holiday merchandise has already arrived, with shipments shifting toward inventory replenishment and preparations for early 2027.
Despite economic uncertainty and declining consumer confidence, resilient consumer spending has supported import demand. Full-year U.S. container imports at the monitored ports are projected to reach 25.8 million TEUs, a 1.4% increase from 2025, indicating a gradual slowdown rather than a sharp decline in shipping activity.
(source: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/retailers-say-extended-peak-shipping-season-winding-down)