The US retail import sector has demonstrated consistent growth over the past two decades, with recent data showing an upward trend in the import of goods into the country.

According to the latest report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, released on 9 April 2025, import volumes, measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), have steadily increased since 2004.

Despite some fluctuations due to global economic shifts and the pandemic, forecasts for 2025 suggest that import levels will remain stable.

Steady growth in imports from 2004 to 2024

From 2004 to 2024, imports into the US increased from 14.4 million TEUs to an expected 25.5 million TEUs, reflecting growing demand for consumer goods, particularly in the retail sector.

While there were fluctuations along the way, including a dip in 2009 following the global financial crisis, the overall trend has been one of recovery and expansion. In 2022, imports peaked at 25.8 million TEUs, before dipping to an expected 22.3 million in 2023.

This ongoing trend reflects the retail industry's dependency on global supply chains to meet consumer demand.

Retailers continue to face challenges related to inventory management, with factors such as the post-pandemic recovery and international supply chain disruptions influencing the availability of goods.

Forecast for 2025 imports

Looking ahead to 2025, the NRF’s report forecasts import volumes to remain stable at approximately 25.5 million TEUs. While this is a slight decline from the 2022 peak, it suggests that demand for imports will stay strong in the US retail sector.

Despite challenges such as inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and economic uncertainty, the forecast indicates continued growth, which is welcomed by retailers who rely on a steady flow of goods to meet customer demand.

The stability of imports for 2025 provides some reassurance to businesses that have faced unpredictable conditions in recent years, particularly with global disruptions.

Retailers are expected to adjust their inventory strategies based on this relatively stable outlook, helping to mitigate the impact of volatility on product availability.

Impact of import trends on retailers

The steady increase in US retail imports has direct implications for businesses in the retail sector. A continuous flow of imports is essential for maintaining the variety and availability of products on store shelves, meeting the ever-growing consumer demand.

With the 2025 forecast indicating stable import levels, retailers will need to plan accordingly to manage inventory and logistics effectively.

Given that supply chain disruptions remain a key concern, the latest data offers retailers some clarity as they look ahead to 2025.

The report suggests that, while challenges persist, the retail industry will have a more predictable environment in terms of product availability, allowing businesses to make better-informed decisions about their supply chains and customer service.

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