In December 2023, U.S. container import volume increased 0.4% from November 2023. The slight aggregate increase masks counter-intuitive swings in volume at the West, East and Gulf Coast ports. The top East and Gulf Coast ports saw increases, while the top West Coast ports saw decreases. The Panama drought did not appear to impact U.S. container import volume at East and Gulf Coast ports in December, but port delay times increased particularly at Gulf Coast ports.
