With most holiday merchandise already stocked and tariffs continuing to climb, monthly import cargo volume at major US container ports is projected to drop below 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the rest of the year, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

The latest tariffs—25 per cent on upholstered furniture regardless of country and the same rate on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities—are set to take effect next week and increase in January. And a tariff increases on imports from China that was delayed by 90 days in August is scheduled to go into effect November 10, unless a deal is reached or President Donald Trump decides on another delay, NRF said in a press release.

“This year’s peak season has come and gone, largely due to retailers frontloading imports ahead of reciprocal tariffs taking effect,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy at NRF. “New sectoral tariffs continue to be announced, but most retailers are well-stocked for the holiday season and doing as much as they can to shield their customers from the costs of tariffs for as long as they can.”

US import cargo volumes at major ports are expected to drop below 2 million TEU monthly for the rest of 2025 as tariffs rise and retailers remain well-stocked, according to the NRF and Hackett Associates.
Peak season imports have passed, with October to December volumes projected to fall up to 19 per cent YoY, reflecting early shipments and ongoing tariff uncertainty.

“Ongoing volatility in US tariff policy is creating significant economic uncertainty, with trade volumes expected to see unpredictable shifts over the next four to six months,” said Ben Hackett founder of Hackett Associates. “Many large companies pre-emptively imported goods to build up inventories, but as those stockpiles are depleted, the full inflationary impact of the tariffs will become apparent.”

US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.32 million TEU—one 20-foot container or its equivalent—in August. That was down 2.9 per cent from July’s 2.39 million TEU—the peak month for the year—but up 0.1 per cent year over year (YoY).

Ports have not yet reported numbers for September, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.12 million TEU, down 6.8 per cent year over year.

October is forecast at 1.97 million TEU, down 12.3 per cent YoY, and November at 1.75 million TEU, down 19.2 per cent. December is forecast at 1.72 million TEU, down 19.4 per cent YoY for the slowest month since 1.62 million TEU in March 2023.

While the falling monthly totals are related to tariffs, the YoY percentage declines are both because of this year’s early peak season and because imports in late 2024 were elevated by concerns over port strikes, added the release.

The first half of 2025 totalled 12.53 million TEU, up 3.7 per cent year over year. The full year is forecast at 24.79 million TEU, down 2.9 per cent from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

January 2026 is forecast at 1.87 million TEU, down 16.1 per cent year over year, and February 2026 is forecast at 1.77 million TEU, down 12.8 per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Social impact footwear brand Toms has announced the appointment of Jessica Alsing as its new chief executive officer, effective October 8.

Alsing has been consulting with the Los Angeles-based company in recent months, and brings to her new role as CEO expertise across
footwear, digital marketing, and global brand building.

She will be charged with guiding Toms through its next phase of growth and reinforcing its position as a footwear leader, according to a press release.

“In 2026, Toms celebrates twenty years since its now
iconic alpargatas first became a sensation,” ​said Alsing.

“With nostalgia trending and slip-ons being so popular today, I
believe there’s never been a better time to reintroduce our signature alpargatas and deepen our leadership in espadrilles building off the Toms essence of endless summer.”

Prior to Toms, the Alsing spent nearly a decade at fellow U.S. footwear giant Crocs Inc., where she served as vice president of international digital commerce. 

Most recently, she served as chief digital officer at Grendene Global Brands, owner of Melissa Shoes, Ipanema, and Rider brands.

“Toms is an iconic brand that has inspired millions and set the standard for purpose in business,” said Thomas Brady, board member, Toms.

“With Jessica’s extensive experience leading globally relevant footwear
companies and her proven ability to drive both growth and impact, we’re confident she is the right leader to propel Toms into its next generation.”

Founded in 2006, Toms has given more than $200M in the form of shoe donations and monetary grants to nonprofits across the globe. Today, every purchase helps support children’s education, health and well- being.