Imports to Reach ‘Near-Record Levels’ in 2019 Despite 4 Rounds of Tariffs, Says NRF

Imports at major U.S. retail container ports are expected to continue at “near-record levels” in August and for the rest of 2019, “despite a new round of tariffs on goods from China,” reported the National Retail Federation Thursday. “Even with virtually everything” America imports from China “soon to be subject to tariffs, it isn’t quick or easy for retailers to change their supply chains,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president-supply chain and customs policy. “That means American families are ultimately going to pay more for goods they can’t do without.” Even if sourcing “eventually” shifts away from China, it will still come from countries other than the U.S., said Gold: “It’s time to stop punishing American businesses, workers and families for China’s wrongdoing.” U.S. importers paid $6 billion in tariffs in June, “one of the highest-tariffed months in U.S. history,” and up 74 percent from the same month last year, said NRF, citing data from the Tariffs Hurt the Heartland campaign, of which NRF is a member. U.S. ports handled 1.8 million 20-foot container equivalents in June, the latest month for which “after-the-fact” numbers are available, said NRF. That was down 2.9 percent from May and down 3 percent year over year, it said.