Port of Oakland handled the equivalent of 100,096 20-foot import containers last month, according to the company's release. It was the most for a single month in the Port’s 94-year history. It marked the first time that Oakland has passed the 100,000-box milestone for imports in a month, according to the company's release.
Oakland said April import volume increased 25 percent from the same month a year ago. It was the third consecutive month of import gains, and the second straight record month, the Port said. According to the Port, import volume year-to-date has increased 19 percent.
The Port said consumer spending continues to drive trade growth. To meet demand, U.S. retailers and e-commerce distributors are importing goods from Asian manufacturers at unprecedented levels. Asia is Oakland’s No. 1 trade partner.
Oakland said its April export volume decreased 3.7 percent from a year ago. According to the Port, empty containers may have been to blame. Here’s why:
Asian manufacturers needed empty boxes to transport record U.S. imports.
Shipping lines sent large numbers of empties from the U.S. to Asia to meet demand.
Empties leaving the U.S. took vessel space from U.S exports intended for Asian markets.
The Port said its total volume in April – imports, exports and empty containers – increased 8 percent from April 2020.
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.