Retail merchandise imports through major U.S. container ports rose 6% in May to reach 2.4 million 20-foot container equivalent units (TEUs) in May, according to a monthly report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and consulting firm Hackett. associates. The indicator became a record for any month for the entire time of its calculation, that is, since 2002. The previous record was set in March – 2.34 million TEU. In June, imports of retail goods are expected to grow by 4.8% yoy to 2.25 million TEU. In the first half of the year, the figure will be 13.5 million TEU, an increase of 5.4% compared to the same period last year, experts predict. In the second half of the year, imports may fall yoy due to a high comparative base, but due to the strong dynamics in the first half of the year, overall growth is expected in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2021, a record 25.8 million TEU of retail goods were imported into the US. “Cargo volumes are expected to remain strong as the peak shipping season approaches and it is critical that all ports operate with minimal disruption,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president of supply chain and customs policy.