The strategy comes as freight rates are rising and new tariffs are set to hit some goods from China
Containerships lined up to load outbound boxes at the Lianyungang port in eastern China last week. Photo: Cfoto/Zuma Press
U.S. retailers are pulling forward overseas orders to get ahead of deepening shipping disruptions, rising freight rates and looming geopolitical concerns.
Import containers have been landing at American seaports in far bigger numbers than usual since the late spring, marking an early start to the annual peak shipping season leading into the fall. It also marks a big bet for importers who risk being stuck with excess inventories if consumers don’t pick up their spending.