U.S. Import Slowdown Deepens as Retailers Pull Back Amid Iran Crisis

U.S. container imports are expected to remain weaker than last year through at least early fall despite a temporary rebound in May and June, according to new projections from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, underscoring mounting pressure on global trade flows as economic uncertainty and Middle East tensions weigh on consumer demand.

The latest Global Port Tracker report paints a cautious picture for the second half of 2026, with retailers slowing inventory build-ups even as supply chains continue adjusting to tariff disruptions, inflation concerns, and the lingering fallout from the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

While import volumes are