Full imports and exports via the NWSA increased 6.8% and 3.3%, respectively in May. Import growth was fueled by an early peak season as BCOs shipped ahead of proposed Section 301 tariffs in addition to muted volumes in May 2025 following liberation day. Full exports in May performed better than the five-year average, increasing 1.6% for the month and 3.2% YTD. May 2026 total container volume (international and domestic) reached 238,021 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), down 5.1% compared to May 2025. YTD volumes, 1,170,979 TEUs, are down 14%, with full imports declining 16.5% and full exports decreasing 0.9%.

The Gemini Cooperation (Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk) had the best performance in the second period, which spanned December 2025 through May 2026, of the NWSA’s Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award program. Gemini’s WC4 | TP5 service recorded only one blank sailing over the 26-week period and maintained an average vessel arrival delay of just five hours versus pro forma estimated arrival time. MSC and SM Line also demonstrated exceptional voyage frequency, placing second and third, respectively.

In its third year, the program has been renewed through 2027, with NWSA’s Managing Members approving a $1 million commitment for the 2026-27 program cycle. The upcoming program will be divided into two equal periods, July through December and January through June.

Domestic container volumes decreased by 2.2% compared to YTD 2025. Alaska decreased 2.1%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 2.6%.

Other cargo stats:

• YTD May breakbulk volumes, 163,533 metric tons, increased 18.4% due to strong industrial demand.
• YTD May auto volumes, 106,994 units, were down 13.3% from YTD May 2025 as tariffs continue to impact the industry.

View the May cargo reports:

• Container Statistics – May 2026
• Cargo Volumes – May 2026