The JOC Top 100 Importers and Exporters: Analyzing the Rankings and Second-Half Trade Outlook

As the calendar turned to June and the prelude to the summer-fall peak shipping season, US importers and exporters again were trying to get ahead of market- and policy-driven price hikes and disruption. Specifically, US importers again find themselves frontloading shipments on the eastbound trans-Pacific as they race to head off rising bunker fuel surcharges, increasing prices from Asian suppliers, and a new round of tariff uncertainty. That surge in demand is spurring a jump in spot rates and tightening capacity. In fact, capacity has tightened enough to prompt forwarders to warn customers that they must book at least three weeks in advance amid the surge in frontloading of fall and end-of-year holiday merchandise. The increased demand stems in part from uncertainty among shippers about possible further tariff moves by the Trump administration. Following the Supreme Court’s March decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s widespread tariffs implemented in April 2025, the US Trade Representative imposed temporary Section 122 tariffs on all imports. Widespread tariffs tied to forced labor quickly followed. Shippers also are racing to get ahead of expected price increases from Asian suppliers. The S&P Global Market Intelligence Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®) released in late May saw readings on price pressures and supply shortages reach highs not seen since 2022 as the war in the Middle East keeps the price of oil and related commodities elevated. All of this adds up to another turbulent time for shippers importing to and exporting from the United States.

This hourlong webcast will analyze the state of the market, how it is likely to play out through the fall, and highlight the major findings from the Journal of Commerce’s ranking of Top 100 Importers and Exporters special report.