U.S. seaborne supply chains evolve, news by Hebei Longsheng
| Stockpiling for now, Vietnam for later as U.S. seaborne supply chains evolve U.S. seaborne imports returned to growth in July with 1.5% increase year over year after a 2.5% decline in June. Imports from China continued to slide with a 3.0% reduction compared to a 3.3% fall in 2Q. That was offset by an increase in shipments from Asia ex-China which climbed 11.5% as companies switched sourcing to Vietnam – imports from which rose 28.5% to a record number of shipments – as well as India and Thailand where imports climbed 17.6% and 16.0% respectively. There’s signs of stockpiling in consumer goods as a response to the May breakdown in U.S.-China talks, rather than the more recent announcements from President Trump at the end of July. Stockpiling likely drove a 7.5% year over year increase in apparel imports from all countries in July as well as an 18.5% surge in imports of toys. Shipments of electrical and electronics items increased 2.5% in July after a 2.3% in 2Q, likely reflecting concerns about tariffs for consumer electronics devices including laptop PCs. With tariff increases due on Sept. 1 there’s not time to boost seafreight, leaving importers needing to consider airfreight. It’s worth noting seaborne imports peak in August for back-to-school products and November for holiday shopping products. |
