Dive Brief:

• Import growth at U.S. retail container ports are expected to grow 9% during October despite the government shutdown.
• The import volume is likely reflective of merchandise purchased months in advance by retailers planning for the upcoming holiday season.
• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection departments have furloughed approximately 6,000 workers last week due to the shutdown.

Dive Insight:

Authorities are asserting that the furloughed Customs and Border Protection staff should have a minimal effect on volume of cargo imports being processed, so long as ports remain open. But government agencies responsible for clearing the imported cargo passing through U.S. ports have not remained as staffed. “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,” said National Retail Federation executive, Jonathan Gold.