Port of Oakland loaded container volume declined 7.4 percent in March from 2019 totals, according to data released today. The Port said the cargo decrease resulted from a coronavirus pandemic that has weakened global trade.
According to the Port, March containerized import volume dropped 10.3 percent from March 2019. Export loads were off 5 percent. The return of empty containers to origins in Asia decreased 23 percent. Total volume – which combines all three measures – declined 11 percent.
The worldwide effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 has slowed containerized freight transport, the Port said. As evidence, the Port pointed to the following:
Ports up and down the U.S. West Coast reported reduced cargo volume in March.
The number of ships calling in Oakland last month declined 10.6 percent from March 2019.
The Port said it’s fully operational despite a shelter-in-place order mandated by Alameda County. The Port and supply chain partners have been declared critical infrastructure in the coronavirus fight.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port's 5-year strategic plan - Growth with Care - pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs.