Global supply chain planning remains centered on risk management and flexibility amid elevated volatility and unpredictability, according to a monthly report on logistics metrics from the supply chain software vendor Descartes.In its “April Global Shipping Report,” Descartes noted that tensions in the Middle East have significantly disrupted global shipping, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively restricted and rising threats to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait adding further risk to key maritime corridors. At the same time, U.S. tariff policy remains in flux and ongoing trade negotiations with the EU, India and China are also contributing to uncertainty.In the midst of those patterns, March U.S. container imports posted a strong seasonal rebound following a February dip. In March 2026, U.S. container import volumes increased by 12.4% over February to 2,353,611 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Those volumes remained significantly elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels, standing 32.3% above March 2019. However, year-to-date imports trail 2025 levels by 4.8%.Gauging trends from the top ten countries of origin (CoO), March U.S. containerized imports from those nations increased 8.2% month-over-month, representing a combined gain of 122,671 TEUs. Italy recorded the largest volume increase, surging 74.5% (25,565 TEUs), followed by Thailand, up 25.6% (24,682 TEUs) and South Korea, up 31.0% (23,136 TEUs). Strong gains were also observed from Germany (39.8%), Vietnam (6.5%), Japan (28.6%) and India (14.5%). China was the only major sourcing country to post a notable decline, down 2.3% (16,910 TEUs) while Hong Kong also edged lower (1.5%).“While March import volumes remain near historically high levels…
