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Import cargo volume expected to see ‘significant’ decline amid tariff impact

Ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs continue to impact import volume.

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a significant year-over-year decline during the first half of 2026 as the impact of tariffs continues, according to the  Global Port Tracker. The report is produced for the National  Retail Federation by Hackett Associates.

Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said tariffs have brought “a global change in trade relations” that is affecting import volumes. 

“The continuing use of tariffs against friend and foe alike combined with the uncertainty of when or if they will be implemented makes trade forecasting very difficult,” Hackett said, adding that last year’s government shutdown is still making up-to-date government data difficult to come by.

 “Following essentially flat container import volumes in 2025 compared with 2024, we expect a decline during the first half of 2026 and likely longer,” Hackett said.

Import cargo volume expected to see ‘significant’ decline amid tariff impact | Chain Store Age

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