U.S. Retail Imports Pulled Forward as Early Peak Season Extends Into July

Summary

The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates said the early peak shipping season is likely to last into July, with retailers pulling imports forward to beat higher shipping costs and tariff uncertainty. The front-loading has boosted June volumes at major U.S. gateways, but analysts expect import demand to soften later in the year as tariff impacts and elevated rates curb orders. The pattern is driving congestion at Southern California ports and pressuring inland rail and warehouse networks.