Why did West Coast ports gain share while Gulf Coast ports declined in September?

West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Tacoma) collectively increased volumes in September, with Los Angeles up 8.8% and Long Beach up 5.9%. This shift reflects routing decisions by importers and carriers responding to service schedules and capacity. Gulf Coast ports, particularly Houston, experienced significant declines (down 16.5% or 31,502 TEUs), suggesting a regional rebalancing rather than a uniform decline across U.S. ports. The reasons may include carrier network optimization and shifting demand geography.

What is driving the 21.2% year-over-year growth in China-origin imports?

China-origin imports reached 924,454 TEUs in September 2026, up 21.2% from September 2025. Key categories include plastics (HS-39, up 30.2%), furniture and bedding (HS-94, up 11.9%), electrical machinery (HS-85, up 23.0%), and articles of iron or steel (HS-73, up 37.6%). This growth reflects strong consumer demand in the U.S. for manufactured goods, particularly consumer discretionary items like furniture, toys, and apparel, alongside continued demand for machinery and electronics components.

How are transit delays impacting port operations?

Port transit delays increased at 8 of the 10 largest U.S. gateways in September 2026. New York/New Jersey recorded the highest delays at 8.3 days, up 1.5 days from August. Houston increased to 7.2 days (up 1.4 days), and other East Coast and Gulf ports also saw increases. Only Seattle improved, falling to 6.5 days. These delays suggest capacity constraints and congestion, which directly extend dwell times and increase carrying costs for importers.

What new trade and shipping risks emerged in September?

Multiple risk factors emerged: Middle East maritime incidents created routing uncertainties, with 93 confirmed incidents recorded in the Strait of Hormuz as of October 5, 2026. Section 232 tariffs on specified pharmaceuticals took effect September 29 for additional companies. CMA CGM announced emergency fuel surcharges effective October 1, varying by cargo and trade direction. The Panama Canal Authority announced partial restoration of transit capacity, while some carriers resumed Suez Canal services despite Red Sea security concerns.

What does the 2.2% month-over-month decline from August suggest?

While September imports were down 2.2% from August, this decline is smaller than the typical August-to-September pullback and historically smaller than the 8.4% decline seen in 2025. September 2026 volumes remained 24.8% above September 2019 and represent a record high for the month. This suggests seasonal normalization rather than demand weakness. The modest decline, combined with year-over-year growth of 10.3%, indicates sustained strong import demand supporting U.S. retail and manufacturing sectors.

Demand Planning

High Impact

U.S. Container Imports Hit Record September High Amid Port Delays

Oct 14, 2026

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The signal

U.S. containerized imports hit 2.55 million TEUs in September 2026, the highest volume for any September on record and 10.3% higher than September 2025. This growth was driven primarily by increased shipments from China, which represented 36.3% of total imports and grew 21.2% year-over-year.

However, this strong demand coincides with rising operational challenges: port transit delays increased at 8 of the top 10 U.S. gateways, with New York/New Jersey experiencing the largest jump to 8.3 days. West Coast ports gained market share, while Gulf Coast volumes declined 14.8% in September.

Supply chain professionals face a dual pressure of managing peak demand while navigating new trade conditions including Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs, Middle East maritime incidents, and carrier fuel surcharges from carriers like CMA CGM.

Companies affected by this story:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if port transit delays extend another 2-3 days across major gateways?

Simulate the impact of port transit delays increasing by 2-3 additional days at the top 10 U.S. ports. Current average delays range from 6.4 to 8.3 days. Model the downstream effects on inventory carrying costs, working capital requirements, and customer service levels for importers relying on just-in-time supply chains. Assess which industries (retail, electronics, apparel, furniture) and sourcing geographies would be most affected.

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Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if carrier fuel surcharges increase by 15-20% through Q1 2027?

Project the cost impact of CMA CGM's emergency fuel surcharge expanding across the industry with surcharges rising 15-20% compared to current levels. Model the total landed cost impact on imports from China, India, and other major origins. Assess which product categories (high-margin electronics vs. low-margin apparel) can absorb surcharge increases and which will require price pass-through to consumers or demand shifts to alternative suppliers.

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Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if Middle East maritime incidents disrupt 30% of Suez Canal routing?

Model the supply chain impact of a 30% reduction in available Suez Canal capacity due to ongoing security incidents. Simulate routing alternatives including the longer Cape of Good Hope route, extended transit times (add 10-14 days), increased fuel costs, and insurance premium impacts. Assess which trade lanes and suppliers from Asia and Europe would face the greatest disruption, and evaluate the cost premium for alternative routing.

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