According to Descartes Systems Group, total import volumes for 2025 were 0.4% below 2024, despite periods of strength earlier in the year. Imports from China continued to decline in December, down 1.0% month-over-month and 21.8% year-over-year. China’s share of total US container imports in December was 31.7%, the lowest percentage share in December in the last six years.
The January update of the logistics metrics monitored by Descartes suggests a cautious global trade environment entering 2026, as broader US-China trade measures, pending Liberation Day tariff rulings and Red Sea security risks create ongoing global supply chain uncertainty.
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In December 2025, US containerised imports from the top 10 CoO declined 8.4% year-over-year, with a combined decrease of 143,200 TEUs. The contraction was driven primarily by China, which fell 21.8% (196,730 TEUs) and accounted for more than the total net decline. Additional year-over-year decreases were recorded from India (15.0%), Taiwan (13.2%), South Korea (7.1%) and Italy (1.0%). In contrast, several Southeast Asian origins posted strong year-over-year growth. Thailand increased 28.3% (24,511 TEUs), Vietnam 21.5% (48,889 TEUs), and Indonesia 19.6% (9,527 TEUs). More modest gains were recorded from Japan (1.7%) and Hong Kong (1.1%).
“For US importers, 2025 was a year marked by volatility, uncertainty and slightly softening demand compared to 2024,” said Jackson Wood, Descartes director of industry strategy.
“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 from Venezuela developments and the Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Hamas and Iran/Israel conflicts.”
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