US imports hit 2023 high; Israeli ports continue to operate without disruption

U.S. imports have been increasing month over month since February, and according to Descartes Systems Group, were up again in September. 

Approximately 39.3 percent of total exports to the U.S. were from China, up 4.2 percent from August. The September import figure reached the highest monthly total since August 2022. 

According to Descartes, the U.S. imported 2.2 million 20-foot units in September, up 0.3 percent from August, and up 27 percent from February, FreightWaves reported. 

“Cargo volumes will still be strong the rest of the year, but not as high as we expected a month ago,” National Retail Federation Vice President for Supply Chain Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers stocked up early this year as a safeguard against supply chain labor issues and are well-situated to meet consumer demand.”

The recent violent conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked cautionary advisories across the shipping industry who are concerned violence in the Middle East will depress the global economy. According to shipping logistics firm Container xChange, Maersk reassured stakeholders that port operations in Israel’s major terminals are continuing to operate without disruption. 

“In light of recent developments in the Middle East, including the outbreak of war in Israel and its vulnerability to missile attacks and the incursion of opposing militias, the security of transporting goods through the port of Haifa has become uncertain,” Container xChange Middle-East Senior Market Export Hossein Norouz Fashkhami said in a release. “The transit of containers, especially hazardous materials, and the arrival of commercial vessels greatly emphasize the importance of security on this route. Such insecurity or potential terrorist attacks could lead to a shift in the transportation of goods.” 

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