• US import activity has slowed throughout 2023, culminating in a 12% year-over-year drop in seaborne imports of containerized freight in August. While maritime containerized freight represents 32% of total imports by value, it is nonetheless indicative of slowing supply chain activity more broadly at the start of the traditional peak shipping season.
• A drop in shipments of consumer discretionary goods was led in absolute terms by a 22% slide in apparel imports, including lower back-to-school products. Shipments of leisure goods (toys and fitness) also fell by 22% while consum...