By Mark Edward Nero
Total cargo volume in Oakland – imports, exports and empty containers – declined 6.3 percent in April, according to data the port released May 6. The fall was primarily due, according to the port, to a nearly 30 percent drop in empty container shipments.
However, an export rebound continues to build steam at the Port of Oakland. The port said that containerized export volume increased seven percent in April compared to a year ago. It was the fourth consecutive month of increases in Oakland.
Also, according to port data, 2016 export volume is up 16.3 percent through April. That’s welcome news following a 2015 decline that saw Oakland exports drop 11.5 percent. The port’s attributing export gains to a weaker dollar that makes U.S. goods more affordable overseas.
“We’re pleased to see export volume growing,” said port Maritime Director John Driscoll. “It’s a sign that business is picking up for our customers.”
The port exported the equivalent of 300,000 20-foot export containers through the first four months of 2016. By comparison, it reported importing the equivalent of 277,000 20-foot import boxes.
For the calendar year so far, Oakland’s total cargo volume is up 11.3 percent, according to data.
Current and historical Port of Oakland 2016 cargo volume statistics are available at http://www.portofoakland.com/port/seaport/facts-and-figures/.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
