Overview of August U.S.-bound container traffic

S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that containerized imports destined for the United States increased on an annual basis in August but moderated from July’s unusually high volumes. The firm provided detailed monthly and year-to-date figures and remarked on seasonal patterns and market signals heading into the Peak Season.

August shipment totals and month-to-month movement

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, August imports totaled 2,917,318 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). That figure represented a 2.6% decline from July’s 3.01 million TEU, with July marking the first month to top 3 million TEU.

Annual performance and August record

S&P said August volumes were up 3.8% year over year and that the month set a new record for August throughput. The firm framed the annual gain alongside the monthly sequencing to assess demand timing and inventory flows.

Year-to-date totals and comparison to pre-pandemic levels

Through the first eight months of 2025, U.S.-bound container imports reached 22,116,114 TEU. That total was 4.4% higher than the same period a year earlier and 16.5% above the volume recorded in August 2019.

S&P Global Market Intelligence commentary on timing and Peak Season

The firm said the sequential decline from July to August reinforced a pull-forward pattern it had flagged earlier in the year, and it added that this trend is further illustrated by a 1.9% annual gain cited in its analysis. S&P also noted that August is one of the traditional high-water marks of the Peak Season—reflecting back-to-school shipments—with October typically serving as the other major seasonal peak as retailers build inventories for the holiday period. The firm warned that this season may bring higher prices than in recent years.

Key August metrics reported by S&P Global Market Intelligence

• Total August imports: 2,917,318 TEU
• Sequential change from July: -2.6%
• July volume referenced: 3.01 million TEU (first month above 3 million TEU)
• August year-over-year change: +3.8%
• Year-to-date (first eight months 2025): 22,116,114 TEU (+4.4% y/y)
• Comparison to August 2019: +16.5%
• Policy context noted: White House reciprocal tariffs tied to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on most U.S. trading partners took effect on August 7, a factor S&P said influenced importer sourcing and timing

Interview insights from S&P analyst Eric Oak

Eric Oak, Supply Chain Intelligence Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, told the firm that while volumes rose in August, the market did not necessarily feel robust when compared with current freight rate levels.

“It is going to be really interesting to see how the Peak Season develops, because August felt like a turning point but it is hard to say which way things are turning yet. It does look like shipments were pulled a bit earlier into July. In 2022, August was the peak for the year and last year it was September. The pattern this year, at least for June, July, and August, seems to be similar to 2024, which did increase in September. I would expect there to be some kind of increase for the holiday peak. But as to it will approach 2024 levels or 2022-2023 levels is the question we are all asking.”

Implications for shippers and retailers

S&P’s data and commentary highlight a market balancing act: importers pulled some shipments earlier in the summer, potentially to mitigate tariff and sourcing changes, while retailers still face the seasonal need to replenish for back-to-school and the holidays. The firm’s note that Peak Season pricing could be higher than in recent years signals cost pressure that supply chain managers and buyers will be watching closely.