‘Peak Shipping Season’ Imports Jumped 6.1% From 2019, Says NRF

U.S. retail ports handled an estimated 8.1 million 20-foot-long cargo containers or their equivalents July through October, “the peak shipping season when retailers rush to bring in merchandise for the winter holidays each year,” reported the National Retail Federation Monday. Though subject to revision once October numbers become final, that would be a 6.1% increase over the same 2019 period and would beat the previous record of 7.7 million containers set in 2018, it said. “Part of this surge was fueled by restocking after retail sales rebounded this summer and part could be making sure there aren’t shortages if we see panic buying again,” said NRF. “The economic challenges of the pandemic aren’t over yet, but this clearly shows how an industry that has been under stress is fighting back in a positive way.”