United States' port operator, South Carolina Ports, announced that it will begin consolidating container operations to its Wando and North Charleston terminals in the short term.

The operator will temporarily pause activity at the Hugh K. Leatherman terminal at the Port of Charleston from 1 August 2026, but will continue to offer the needed port capacity for the Southeast market. 

The decision follows an assessment of current market conditions, with the port citing numerous headwinds, uncertain trade forecasts, and moderated cargo levels.

As a result, container handling at Leatherman is expected to wind down in the weeks leading up to the temporary closure. Meanwhile, services currently calling Leatherman will be redirected to Wando Welch and North Charleston.

According to the Journal of Commerce, the closure comes amid expectations that current cargo patterns may soften later in the year. SC Ports indicated that demand could remain flat or decline, following a period influenced by factors such as fuel surcharge developments and tariff-related considerations.

Operational data shows container volumes across Charleston are below budget forecasts for the current fiscal year, with expectations for the following fiscal year remaining largely unchanged.