Port of Oakland export volume up 10 percent in October 2016
Growth in high-value agricultural shipments is driving a containerized export boom at the Port of Oakland. The Port released new figures today showing sizable increases in fruit, nut and meat exports destined primarily for Asia. The agricultural surge has lifted Oakland total export volume 10 percent over 2015 levels through October.
Agricultural exports have increased 16 percent in the past year, the Port said. Farm products now account for 40 percent of Oakland’s 2016 total exports, up from 38 percent last year.
The Port said much of the increase comes from a 30 percent rise in shipments of edible fruits and nuts. The Port exported the equivalent of 65,600 20-foot containers full of those products through September. That was up from 50,306 containers a year ago. Grain and seed shipments increased 35 percent in that period, the Port said. Meat exports climbed 15 percent.
The Port attributed much of its export growth to the rise of Asia’s middle class. It said that consumers with newfound purchasing power are clamoring for higher-quality American farm products. The Port said its top five export destinations are China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Its top five export commodities: wood pulp, fruits and nuts, beverages and spirits, meats and cereals.
Dr. Kemmsies said exports are stronger than expected due to tighter stocks in Asia and higher production in the U.S. He added that improvement has occurred despite the relatively high foreign exchange value of the dollar. A strong dollar makes U.S. exports less competitive. In that case, transportation efficiency is critical to export competitiveness, he said.
According to Dr. Kemmsies, the 2017 export outlook looks more positive due to improving global economic conditions. “Regardless of other factors, Oakland looks poised to outperform again,” he said.
The Port said exports make up 52 percent of its total laden container volume. Imports account for the other 48 percent. The near 50-50 split in cargo mix is unique, the Port said. Other major U.S. ports are heavily skewed toward imports, reflecting the country’s $36.4 billion trade deficit. The Port attributed its export emphasis to two factors:
Proximity to California’s major growing regions in the Central, Napa and Salinas valleys; and
Its role as the jumping off point for ships returning to Asian markets from the U.S.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.
