America’s main export is an empty container

In the complex world of American commercea startling statistic stands out: the most common US “export” overseas is an empty container.

While the country imports a wealth of goodsincluding 12% of loaded containers filled with furniture, a staggering 75% of inbound containers (that is, those coming from overseas) actually return home empty, according to DAT Freight & Analytics, a shipping software company.

The three largest US ports – Los Angeles, Long Beach and New York/New Jersey – process nearly half of all loaded imports. In 2022, DAT found that the trio of ports collectively handled 13.8 million containers, which are commonly known as 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs). However, about three out of four containers received by these ports returned to their overseas destinations only by “air”, or in other words, empty.

While the furniture dominate US imports and accounts for a a significant part of TEUsthe nation’s top export is far less tangible. Empty containers mean lost potential, noted DAT.

While imports are significant, exports tell a different story. For example, paper products lead actual exports, comprising 10% of the 12 million TEU loads shipped last year. With Asia as its main destination – particularly India, Thailand and Vietnam – the US lumber industry, valued at $175 billion, is at the epicenter of exports, making pulp and lumber essential commodities.

But even so, the paradox of empty containers as the most common US export serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing trade imbalance, one that will likely be exacerbated by the current strike at East Coast and Gulf ports. The strike has disrupted operations, further limiting the flow of goods and could increase the volume of empty containers returning to ports.

As the country navigates its position on the global market while addressing workers’ demand for better wages and benefits, the import-export balance underscores the urgent need for a more balanced trade approach—a topic that has drawn attention President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.