• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • Product Spotlights
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Breaking Flooring News

First Year-Over-Year Import Decline in 18 Months as Trump Tariffs Bite

By FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
NRF Logo
May 9, 2025

U.S. container port imports are expected to decline year-over-year for the first time in 18 months, with President Trump's new tariff policies driving a sharp downturn in cargo volumes that could continue through the fall.

The Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates projects May 2025 imports at 1.81 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) — down 12.9% from May 2024 — ending 19 consecutive months of year-over-year growth.

"We are starting to see the true impact of President Trump's tariffs on the supply chain," said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy. "From national security tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China to global and reciprocal tariffs on all countries and a multitude of tariffs on specific sectors, the results will include higher costs for businesses as well as reduced cargo volumes."

The dramatic reversal comes as the administration's escalating trade policies take effect. Trump has imposed a minimum 10% tariff on all U.S. trading partners, "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of nations, and a staggering 145% tariff on China — hitting retailers during their most critical buying season.

Gold warned that these tariffs "will affect consumers in the form of higher prices and less availability on store shelves." The impact is particularly severe for small retailers, who are "concerned about what to expect in the coming months and how to order for the future."

The forecast shows a deepening downturn through the year. June is predicted to see 1.71 million TEU, the lowest volume since March 2023, representing a 20.2% year-over-year drop. By September, imports are projected at 1.79 million TEU, down 21.2% from the previous year.

Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, downplayed reports of supply chain collapse. "Container carriers are indeed dropping voyages and consolidating cargo and service to ensure that their vessels are as full as possible," he said, but added that claims of empty terminals and ships making U-turns are "very far from the truth."

The downturn represents a significant shift from earlier forecasts. Before the April tariff announcement, projections showed continued growth through May, with first-half volume expected to increase 5.7% year-over-year. The revised forecast now shows just 0.3% growth for the first six months of 2025.

U.S. ports handled 2.15 million TEU in March, up 5.5% from February and 11.3% year-over-year — the last month showing positive growth before tariff effects fully materialized.

Imports surged in late 2024 as retailers stockpiled goods ahead of potential port strikes and anticipated tariff escalations following the November elections. Total 2024 imports reached 25.5 million TEU, up 14.7% from 2023 and approaching pandemic-era records.

Global Port Tracker monitors 12 major U.S. container ports, tracking trends across West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf Coast facilities.

KEYWORDS: supply chain

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Installation How-To
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Flooring Installation
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

More Videos

Popular Stories

Ken Ballin manning the Tools 4 Flooring booth in Tool Alley at TISE 2025

10 Tool Innovations Every Flooring Contractor Should Have on Their Wish List

RevWood American Originals.jpg

How Mohawk's Domestic Manufacturing Powers Growth in Challenging Times

Paul Hambidge

The Waterproof Laminate Myth: Why Consumer Expectations May Never Be Met

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Events

June 9, 2025

NeoCon 2025

A trade show for the commercial interior design industry.

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Flooring Groups

Flooring retailers, do you belong to a buying, marketing or franchise group?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

Related Articles

  • New home sales post first decline in 3 months

    See More
  • Bloomberg: Import Prices in U.S. Fall a Second Time in Three Months

    See More
  • NAR

    Pending Home Sales Rise in January to Highest Level in 18 Months

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 2025 BNi SQUARE FOOT COSTBOOK-CV.jpg

    2025 BNi Square Foot Costbook

  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Flooring images\new FL site\oriental-rug-cleaning.gif

    Oriental & Specialty Rug Cleaning

See More Products
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP