US September Imports Set to Hit Record High: Cross-Border Sellers Should Secure Shipping Capacity Early
US retailers expect imports to reach a yearly peak in September 2026, while typhoons, canal restrictions and ongoing restocking demand could intensify cross-border logistics pressure.
What are the key facts?
- 1US port imports expected to reach 2.31 million TEUs in September 2026
- 2Typhoons delay major Chinese loading ports
- 3Panama Canal draft restrictions increase rerouting and transit times
- 4US retailers continue restocking as consumers keep buying
- 5Peak-season sellers face capacity, arrival, warehousing and stockout risks
What happened?
An S&P Global report shows that US cross-border logistics is entering a peak-season pressure period. US port imports are expected to reach 2.31 million TEUs in September 2026, exceeding the previous annual high. Rising import demand is linked to continued restocking by US retailers. The report said that although US consumers are facing pressure from tariffs, inflation and fuel prices, they continue to purchase goods, prompting retailers to keep replenishing inventory.
Logistics operations are also being affected by weather and waterway conditions. Typhoons have caused delays at major Chinese loading ports, while Panama Canal draft restrictions are increasing the likelihood of rerouting and longer transit times. For cross-border ecommerce sellers, peak-season conditions may lead to tight ocean capacity, uncertain arrival times, and higher warehousing and demurrage costs, increasing the risk of stockouts. Sellers of Christmas, Black Friday, home, toy and seasonal products should include safety stock, alternative ports and airfreight backup options in their peak-season plans and secure shipping capacity early.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
US port imports are expected to reach 2.31 million TEUs in September 2026. Typhoons, Panama Canal draft restrictions and continued retailer restocking could increase capacity and arrival uncertainty. Sellers of Christmas, Black Friday, home, toy and seasonal products should plan inventory, routes and cost contingencies in advance to reduce peak-season stockout and cost-increase risks.
What should sellers do now?
- 1This week, create a shipping checklist for Christmas, Black Friday, home, toy and seasonal products. Record carton specifications, quantities and estimated freight costs for each item, and review dimensional weight and logistics costs for all priority listings.Dimensional weight
- 2This week, prepare ocean freight, alternative-port and airfreight options for priority peak-season products. Note loading-port delays, rerouting requirements and arrival uncertainties, and compile an alternative transport table for procurement and logistics teams.Profit calculator
- 3This week, recalculate per-unit margins for priority peak-season listings. Include ocean freight, warehousing, demurrage and backup airfreight costs in the comparison, report the margin results, and flag products requiring price or replenishment-priority adjustments.