Retailers predict import volumes at the nation's major container ports will finish the year on a high note despite weak demand during this year's traditional peak shipping season.

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.6 percent this month over the same time last year as retailers begin to bring in merchandise for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. Imports for the year are expected to be up 4.2 percent over 2014.