US Ports Handled Record 2.34M Containers in March, Says NRF

Imports at major U.S. retail ports reached a record 2.34 million 20-foot containers or their equivalents in March, up 10.8% from February and 3.2% higher year over year, reported the National Retail Federation Friday. March topped the previous record of 2.33 million containers set in May 2021 for the highest volume of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002, it said. “Retailers are importing record amounts of merchandise to meet consumer demand, but they also have an incentive to stock up before inflation can drive costs higher,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president-supply chain and customs policy. Retailers also are preparing for potential disruptions due to the West Coast port labor negotiations, which are expected to start within days, said Gold: “NRF has previously encouraged the parties to remain at the table and not engage in disruptions if a new contract is not reached by the time the current agreement expires July 1.”