The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has reported a significant 43.4% decrease in international imports for the week ending July 4, a downturn attributed primarily to fewer vessel calls than anticipated. This comes as the Alliance also monitors announcements on higher tariffs with Japan and Korea, two of its most crucial trading partners, which could begin impacting trade within weeks.

The weekly report, dated July 14, 2025, indicated that the week ending July 4 experienced four fewer vessel calls than expected. This included two void sailings and two vessels whose scheduling delays pushed their arrival into the subsequent week. This directly contributed to the substantial 43.4% drop in international imports compared to the week before. The total volume for international import containers during that week was 9,293. This figure also represents a 33.7% decrease compared to the July 2024 average and a 28.6% drop when measured against the 2025 year-to-date average. Despite this decline, the NWSA anticipates a significant rebound for the following week (ending July 11), as it recorded no voids and will include cargo data from the previously delayed vessels.

Beyond international imports, other key metrics for the week ending July 4 also showed declines:

• Truck transactions decreased by just over 7% week-over-week, totaling 22,368 transactions. This was 8.7% lower than the July 2024 weekly average.

• Vessel lifts, which include empty container moves, were almost stagnant compared to the previous week, reaching 24,017 lifts. This marked a 22.1% reduction compared to the July 2024 weekly average.

Adding to the current fluctuations, the NWSA is closely tracking upcoming announcements regarding higher tariffs with Japan and Korea. These two nations are vital to the NWSA's trade operations; Japan, in particular, stands as the Alliance's largest export trading partner and its second-largest overall trading partner after China. The potential impacts of these tariffs could begin in just a few weeks. The Alliance is particularly attentive to the August 1 deadline and any tariff announcements made before then.

The report highlights that Japan is a major destination for U.S. agricultural exports, with key products including hay and frozen potato products. The agricultural sector, especially hay, operates in competitive and price-sensitive markets. Consequently, the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. exports could have significant economic consequences for these industries and the port's trade volumes