U.S. imports of containerized goods in September fell 8.4% from the year earlier, including a 22.9% drop in goods from China, amid ongoing trade ructions from President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, data released on Thursday showed.

U.S. seaports handled 2.31 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container cargo last month, the third-highest September volume on record despite being a decline from last year, supply chain technology and data provider Descartes (DSG.TO), opens new tab said.

With most holiday merchandise delivered earlier than usual and tariffs continuing to rise, monthly import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to fall below the 2 million TEU mark for the remainder of the year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates said.

“This year’s peak season has come and gone, largely due to retailers frontloading imports ahead of reciprocal tariffs taking effect,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy.

More tariffs — 25% on upholstered furniture regardless of country and the same rate on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities — are set to take effect next week and increase in January, NRF said. A tariff increase on imports from China, delayed by 90 days in August, also is scheduled for November 10, unless a deal is reached or Trump decides on another delay.

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