Observed Signal · Aug 10, 2026 · Industry Report · Source: Retail Dive · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
NRF: Retailers Stocked Up Ahead of Tariff Changes
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates' Global Port Tracker report found a 13.2% year-over-year increase in 20-foot containers (TEUs) at major U.S. ports in June as retailers imported inventory ahead of tariff changes. NRF now expects July imports to fall 7.6% year over year and projects August imports to decrease 4.2% year over year. NRF Vice President Jonathan Gold said retailers accelerated shipments because of upcoming tariff shifts and other supply-chain disruptions, including the conflict in Iran. Temporary 10% Section 122 global tariffs expired July 23 and a new round of Section 301 tariffs took effect July 24. A Deloitte study cited earlier buying timelines, with many holiday orders placed by the end of May.
Supply-chain and tariff developments affect retail inventory and holiday readiness but have limited direct impact on core AdTech/MarTech systems.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Global Port Tracker (NRF and Hackett Associates) reported a 13.2% year-over-year increase in 20-foot containers (TEUs) at major U.S. ports in June.
- NRF previously projected nearly 19% growth for June but revised that figure down.
- NRF now expects July imports to be down 7.6% year over year and projects August imports to decrease 4.2% year over year.
- Temporary 10% Section 122 global tariffs expired on July 23, and a new round of Section 301 tariffs took effect on July 24.
- NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said retailers brought in merchandise early ahead of tariff changes and supply-chain uncertainties.
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5 Entities mapped“A Deloitte study last year found that respondents said they placed over half of holiday orders by the end of May, which was about two months...”
“This website is owned and operated by Informa TechTarget, a global network that informs, influences and connects the world’s technology buye...”
“This website is owned and operated by Informa TechTarget, a global network that informs, influences and connects the world’s technology buye...”
“Cranes unload intermodal containers from a ship at the Port of Los Angeles in July 2021. Getty Images...”
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