US Containerised Imports Hit Near-Record High in August 2026, Descartes Reports
Monthly container intake across the United States rose by 3.8% in August 2026 to reach the third-highest volume on record, according to data from Descartes Systems Group.
Inbound containerised freight arriving in the United States climbed to 2,603,709 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August 2026, marking a 3.8% rise compared with July levels, according to the latest September Global Shipping Report compiled by Descartes Systems Group.
The performance stands as the third-largest monthly import total ever recorded by the logistics technology provider, surpassed only by the historical peak set in May 2022 and volumes registered in July 2025.
The data, compiled for supply chain and logistics market participants, highlights sustained ocean freight demand into US terminals despite ongoing international trade risks and operational complexities across global liner networks.
Descartes noted that the substantial monthly intake included ongoing movements of containerised shipments originating from China, which continue to form a central component of overall US import flows.
Source attribution
Original reporting by the Europe Commodities newsroom.
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