By Karen Robes Meeks
April cargo volume at the Port of Oakland rose 2.9 percent over the same period last year, according to the port’s latest numbers. It was Oakland’s best month for loaded imports in history with75,369 TEUs. It beat the record set in April 2006, when the port handled 75,243 TEUs, and also surpassed April 2017 numbers when the port moved 74,991 TEUs.
Meanwhile, exports reached77,995 TEUs, short of April 2017 figures when the port handled 78,776 TEUs.
“Growth in exports was hampered by the negative effects of China’s stringent rules on recycled materials,” according to the port. “However, the Port’s meat, fruits and vegetable exports helped offset the loss in recycled commodities.”
In the first four months, the port moved 791,371 TEUs in total cargo volume, more than the 768,789 TEUs it did during the same period last year.
“These container statistics show that we are off to a solid start in 2018,” said port Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We’re on track for steady growth in our cargo volumes for the rest of the year.”
