US ports might experience a subdued spring following the surge in 2025.

According to a report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, U.S. port import volumes are expected to stay low until May, despite a forecasted month-over-month increase in January due to Lunar New Year demand. Overall, January's volumes are projected to decline 5.3% year-over-year. February through April will likely see further declines, with May predicted to show the first increase. November and December also experienced dips in volumes, attributed to elevated imports in late 2024 and early imports in 2025 to avoid tariffs, although 2025 still marked record years for several ports.