WASHINGTON - The following release issued from the National Retail Federation was issued on April 9, 2025, before President Trump announced a pause on tariffs for trading partners outside of China. The effects on import cargo may change with this new announcement.

Direct from the National Retail Federation:

With sweeping tariffs now imposed on all U.S. trading partners, import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to drop dramatically beginning next month, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Tariffs are taxes on U.S importers ultimately paid by consumers. They are creating anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and families alike with the speed at which they are being implemented and stacked upon each other. At this point, retailers are expected to pull back and rely on built-up inventories, at least long enough to see what will happen next.”

Following tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico announced earlier this year, President Donald Trump last week set a minimum tariff of 10% on all U.S. trading partners and “reciprocal” tariffs as high as 50% on dozens of nations. China has since announced tariffs on U.S. goods, prompting Trump to announce additional tariffs on China, bringing the base rate to 104% just for the national emergency tariffs. The rate goes even higher when the base tariff rate and earlier Section 301 tariffs are added in.

As a result, imports during the second half of 2025 are now expected to be down at least 20% year over year, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. Even balanced against elevated levels earlier this year, that could bring total 2025 cargo volume to a net decline of 15% or more unless the situation changes.

“In this environment of complete uncertainty, our forecast for import cargo will be subject to significant adjustments over the coming months,” Hackett said. “At present, we expect to see imports begin to decline by May and that they will drop dramatically during the remainder of the year.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.06 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in February, although the Ports of New York and New Jersey have yet to report final data. That was down 7.5% from January but up 5.2% year over year. It was the busiest February in three years even through the month is traditionally the slowest of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in China.

Ports have not yet reported March’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.14 million TEU, up 11.1% year over year. April – which includes cargo shipped before the new tariffs were announced – is forecast at 2.08 million TEU, up 3.1% year over year. But May is expected to end 19 consecutive months of year-over-year growth, dropping sharply to 1.66 million TEU, down 20.5% from the same time last year. June is forecast at 1.57 million TEU, the lowest volume since February 2023 and a 26.6% drop year over year. July is forecast at 1.69 million TEU, down 27% year over year, and August at 1.7 million TEU, down 26.8%.

Before the latest round of tariffs was announced, April was forecast at 2.13 million TEU, up 5.7% year over year; May at 2.14 million TEU, up 2.8%; June at 2.07 million TEU, down 3.2%, and July at 1.99 million TEU, down 13.9%.

The current forecast would bring the first half of 2025 to 11.73 million TEU, down 2.9% year over year rather than the total of 12.78 million TEU, up 5.7% year over year, that was forecast before the tariffs announcement.

Imports have been elevated since last summer, first as retailers brought in cargo ahead of an October strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports and then in anticipation of an escalation of tariffs after the November elections. Imports during 2024 totaled 25.5 million TEU, up 14.7% from 2023 and the highest since 2021’s record 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker or by calling (202) 783-7971. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods Holding Corp., one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, announced that applications for the company’s 2025 US Foods Scholars program are now being accepted through May 12. The company’s signature scholarship program offers 18 need-based scholarships of $20,000 each to students pursuing degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, chef training or hospitality management.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. US Foods Scholars provides an avenue for aspiring young talent to pursue a career in this growing and exciting field. Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to nearly 100 students. Program alums have gone on to start their own businesses, work for prestigious restaurant groups, launch baking and pastry careers and be mentored by top chefs across the industry.

“We are thrilled to officially open applications for the 2025 class of US Foods Scholars, a program that supports the next generation of culinary talent in their pursuit of a career in the foodservice industry,” said Lisa Gibbons, Vice President of Corporate Communications, US Foods, in a recent press release. “We are honored to continue to fuel the foodservice talent pipeline and encourage students nationwide to apply if they are in need of financial support to fulfill their culinary dreams.”

The US Foods Scholars program is open to all U.S. culinary or hospitality students pursuing a two- or four-year postsecondary degree. The program’s scholarships enable recipients to manage education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies and room and board, and provides access to exclusive professional development opportunities, including learning engagements with US Foods experts and participation in customer-facing events.

Beginning today, US Foods, in partnership with Scholarship America, is accepting applications for 12 of the 18 scholarships through an online application portal, available on the company’s website at usfoods.com/scholars. The deadline to apply is May 12, 2025, at 3 p.m. CT.

The remaining six scholarships will be facilitated through the company’s partnership with Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP). US Foods Scholars named through C-CAP are selected from eligible high school seniors with plans to pursue an education in the culinary or hospitality arts at a postsecondary school of their choosing.

To learn more about the US Foods Scholars program visit the company’s website at usfoods.com/scholars.

SALINAS, CA - Ippolito International has increased its breadth of services with the addition of David Soto, Senior Supply Chain Manager. Soto, a seasoned produce veteran, comes to Ippolito International from Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he spent nearly two decades. His experience includes developing delivered sales programs, transportation management, pricing and contracts, carrier compliance, and systems implementation. David’s addition to the Sales department will allow managed delivered sales programs to grow, bringing increased efficiencies to customers.

Dan Canales, Sr. VP of Sales, Marketing and Processing, said in a recent press release, “David joins our team at a perfect time. Our commodity business is growing, and our value-added business also continues to thrive. Taken separately, and with the scale that we’ve developed, each of these operations could warrant a delivered sales program, but since Ippolito International has both, it is imperative that we bring this capability forward.” He added, “David brings a broad set of skills to the organization, and we are glad to have him on our team.” David commented, “I am glad to be joining an organization like Ippolito, which is growing rapidly. My skills and experience lend itself to an energetic team, and I’m motivated to leverage my knowledge in a place where it can have a positive impact on the business.”

PARK MESA HEIGHTS, CA - Vallarta Supermarkets, one of California's leading Latino-owned grocery chains, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest store in the Park Mesa Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Marking 40 years of delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service, the opening of this location furthers Vallarta's commitment to serving diverse communities across Southern California. Located at 3300 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043, the store will officially open with a Grand Opening Ceremony on April 23, 2025, at 7:15 AM, welcoming the community to celebrate this milestone together.

Vallarta Supermarkets is thrilled to take over the 46,333ft² space, formerly occupied by Ralphs and left vacant for some time, and bring 165 new jobs to Park Mesa Heights. Throughout the store, customers will find themes and imagery paying homage to the neighborhood's landmarks and iconic culture, as well as a select few products catering to the preferences of the local community, only sold at this location. Among these new products are offerings from brands such as Grace Foods, Blue Runner Foods, and fellow SoCal favorite, Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen, all of which share a similar history of culture-forward foods and family values.

In addition to the fresh, quality produce and everyday goods that the chain is known for, the new store will feature many beloved departments:

• Fresh Produce: The freshest produce from local U.S. growers and premium farms worldwide, offering a wide selection of certified organic and ethically farmed options at the best prices. From every necessity, seasonal Latino favorites, exotic fruits from around the world, along with all of the latest and newest items on the market today, we have it all.
• Carniceria: The heart of its stores, known as the Home of the Original Carne Asada™, customers can find premium cuts like Ranchera—a thinly sliced flank steak available unseasoned or marinated in Vallarta's signature spice blend. It has everything needed to bring family and friends together around the grill.
• Guacamole Station: Made to order using 100% Hass avocados and the freshest ingredients, guests can personalize their guacamole with the newly added Pico de Gallo, tailored precisely to their taste. Whether customers prefer a classic blend or a bold twist, every serving is prepared fresh for the ultimate flavor experience.
• Sushi: Premium, handcrafted sushi rolls made daily with the finest ingredients at our sushi station. With multiple options to choose from, it's perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.
• Juice Bar: Bringing vibrant, fresh flavors to customers with its signature aguas frescas, served straight from traditional vitroleros. Available in a variety of flavors—including horchata, strawberry, and jamaica—these refreshing drinks all have an authentic taste. Customers can also enjoy fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, boost their wellness with shots of wheatgrass, turmeric, or ginger root.
• La Fruteria: Choosing from the freshest fruits and ingredients, customers can order juicy fruit bowls topped with Tajin, Chamoy, lime juice, and salt.
• Cremería: Brings the essence of a traditional Latin American deli to life, offering a curated selection of the freshest cremas and an array of authentic cheeses. Customers can find favorites like queso fresco, queso frijolero, cotija, queso Oaxaca, and more—perfect for enhancing any dish with rich, authentic flavors.
  Panaderia: Made fresh daily, Vallarta offers a variety of Latin American baked goods as well as hand-decorated cakes and signature sweets.
• Tortilleria: Customers can buy authentic corn and flour tortillas, made fresh in-house with the highest quality corn, soaked & boiled for 24 hours, ground with volcanic rock and then cooked to perfection.
• La Cocina: La Cocina offers the convenience of a ready-made delicious meal for any time of day. Choose from a variety of traditional favorites from Mexico and Central America for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Get a "comforting taste of home" for a quick meal or snack before or after you shop.
• Dulcería: Vallarta's candy section carries a wide array of authentic dulces from Mexico and Central America and has everything needed to make any occasion a celebration – piñatas, lotteria, piggy banks and traditional décor.
• Florería: For any holiday or occasion, customers can browse a wide selection of perfect arrangements from local growers ensuring quality, long-lasting flowers. For more permanent options, the florería also offers a huge variety of potted plants.

"This new Park Mesa Heights store is special to Vallarta as it expands on our commitment to the Los Angeles community that has been with us since the first store opened 40 years ago," said Lizette Gomez, Vallarta's Director of Marketing, in a recent press release. "This expansion reflects our incredible growth while staying true to our roots of bringing fresh, high-quality products and authentic flavors that we love to new communities. We're excited to see the community's response to Vallarta Supermarkets on Slauson."

In support of their commitment to the community and appreciation for the residents, Vallarta Supermarkets will also be donating $7,500 to local charities and schools in the Park Mesa Heights area and giving away reusable grocery bags filled with fresh, high-quality groceries to the first 300 customers.

Vallarta Supermarkets is now just a few taps away! Get your favorite grocery essentials and La Cocina hot, ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door through all major delivery services, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and more. From fresh produce to delicious carnitas tacos, enjoy the best of Vallarta anytime, anywhere.

For more information about Vallarta Supermarkets and the grand opening of its Park Mesa Heights, Calif., location, visit vallartasupermarkets.com or follow @vallarta.supermarkets on Instagram.