Retail Imports to Return to ‘Usual Seasonal Patterns’ After Year of Tariffs, Says NRF

Import volume at major U.S. retail container ports is expected to return to its “usual seasonal patterns” in early 2020, after “a year of fluctuations driven by the uncertainty of the trade war with China,” said the National Retail Federation Friday. The “cycle of imports surging ahead of expected tariff increases” wasn't good for retailers “trying to manage their inventory levels or trying to make long-term business plans,” said NRF. It estimates the U.S. handled 1.67 million 20-foot-long cargo containers or their equivalents in November, down 11.2 percent from October and down 7.5 year over year, it said. “With on-again, off-again progress on trade negotiations reported throughout the fall and other factors affecting shipping, an expected surge ahead of the canceled December tariff increase did not materialize.”