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U.S. Import Growth Slowed to 5% Following 2025 Tariff Upheaval

U.S. imports grew just 5% in the 12 months following April 2025's tariff announcement, while ocean containerized shipments dropped 4.3%, according to trade data analysis. The period from May 2025 through April 2026 saw import growth flatline after tariffs took effect in August. U.S. trade flows shifted away from China toward Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan and Southeast Asian sources. China's export share fell 40.4%, allowing Mexico to extend its position as the largest U.S. import source. Taiwan and Vietnam entered the top five suppliers. India climbed into the top 10 after a 5% gain, despite earlier tariff-related setbacks. A February Supreme Court decision invalidating tariffs sparked a 9% year-over-year import rebound in April 2026. However, subsequent trade measures including steel and aluminum duties have kept the tariff environment unsettled.