Import Volume Seen Rising

Import volume at major U.S. retail container ports is expected to rise 9.1 percent this month, despite concerns about the government shutdown, according to figures released Monday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

The numbers mostly reflect orders placed long before the start of the shutdown on Oct. 1.

“With the holidays nearly here, retailers are making sure their shelves are well-stocked,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said as part of the announcement. “Cargo is continuing to move through the ports but the government shutdown has left some agencies short-handed, so NRF will monitor the situation closely as the holidays approach.”