The Top 5 US Import Increases

Containerized imports from Asia see major shifts. Plastics, semiconductors, and machinery lead the pack. Supply chain expert explains what's driving the change.

The Top 5 US Import Increases

Big changes in what's coming to the U.S. in containers. Jason Miller, a supply chain professor at Michigan State University, crunched the numbers. Here's what's hot:

Top 5 Import Increases (Jan-May 2024 vs. 2023):

Image Source:
  1. Plastics Products: Up 607,533 metric tons
  2. Semiconductors & Electronic Components: Up 191,761 metric tons
  3. Basic Chemicals: Up 396,377 metric tons
  4. Other General Purpose Machinery: Up 301,354 metric tons
  5. Electrical Equipment & Components: Up 64,408 metric tons

What's driving this?

Plastics:

  • China's the big player here
  • They've got too much capacity
  • So they're pushing exports hard

Semiconductors:

  • Lots of solar cells coming in

Machinery:

  • Prices are up 33% since COVID
  • U.S. factories can't keep up
  • Buyers looking overseas

Electrical Equipment:

  • EV batteries are a big part of this

Why it matters:

  • Shows shifts in global trade
  • Hints at U.S. manufacturing challenges
  • Could impact shipping rates and port congestion

Lisa Ellram, a supply chain professor, warns about the environmental cost of more plastics.

Jason Busch, a tech and data expert, says there's "gold in trade data" for startups.

Source: Jason Miller/LinkedIn


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