U.S.-bound Imports Post Strong March Gains, Notes Descartes Global Shipping Report

Why It Matters

The rebound signals resilient demand and a rebalancing of U.S. import routes amid geopolitical tensions, influencing freight rates and supply‑chain strategies.

Key Takeaways

• March U.S. imports rose 12.4% MoM, 2.35M TEU.
• Imports 32.3% above pre‑pandemic March 2019 levels.
• China share fell to 30.2%, down 4.6% from February.
• Italy and Thailand drove 74.5% and 25.6% growth respectively.
• East/Gulf ports gained market share; West Coast share dropped.

Pulse Analysis

The latest Descartes Global Shipping Report underscores the durability of U.S. import demand despite lingering macro‑economic headwinds. March’s 2.35 million TEU of inbound containers not only eclipsed February’s figures by 12.4% but also sits 32.3% above the pre‑pandemic March 2019 baseline. This rebound aligns with seasonal expectations and suggests that shippers are maintaining inventory buffers while navigating policy uncertainty and the lingering effects of the 2026 Lunar New Year slowdown.

Source‑country dynamics reveal a nuanced shift. While China’s share of U.S. imports slipped to 30.2%—a 4.6% drop from February—Italy and Thailand emerged as surprise growth engines, posting 74.5% and 25.6% sequential gains respectively. The modest decline in Chinese volumes reflects both lingering logistical bottlenecks and a strategic diversification by importers seeking to mitigate geopolitical risk. The surge from Italy and Thailand highlights the growing relevance of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian supply chains in a market that is increasingly looking beyond traditional East‑Asia lanes.

Port‑level data further illustrates a geographic rebalancing. East and Gulf Coast facilities captured 44.3% of total U.S. containerized imports, up from 35.3% the month prior, while West Coast ports saw their share dip to 39.5%. New York/Newark and Norfolk posted the strongest month‑over‑month increases, up 37.3% and 35.4% respectively. This eastward shift eases congestion on the West Coast, but also introduces new routing complexities and cost considerations for shippers. As volatility around tariffs, Middle‑East tensions, and global trade policies persists, firms are likely to double down on data‑driven routing and diversified sourcing to safeguard supply‑chain resilience.