Port of Oakland import cargo volume increased 6.3 in February 2022
Port of Oakland import business continues to grow though export recovery has yet to take off. The Port said that import cargo volume increased 6.3 in February 2022 compared to February 2021. Exports declined 10.3 percent over the same period, according to the company's release.
The figures indicate continued strong U.S. consumer demand for goods manufactured overseas, the Port said. The Port added that it’s waiting to see results from recent measures implemented to stimulate exports.
According to recent data, Oakland handled the equivalent of 169,000 20-foot import containers in January and February. At that pace, the Port would break its all-time record of 1 million import loads set in 2021.
Imports have accounted for 58 percent of Oakland’s loaded cargo volume so far in 2022, the Port said. That’s the highest import ratio at the Port in decades.
Export cargo has been hampered by a container shortage and space constraints on crowded ships, the Port said. Oakland has responded with three steps intended to boost exports:
Restoring vessel services suspended during the 2021 supply chain meltdown;
Attracting new vessel services; and
Teaming with the federal government to create a depot where containers are readily available for exports.
According to the Port, Oakland marine terminals are busier than ever. The Port said terminals are unloading an average of 2,809 containers on each ship at berth. That’s slightly ahead of last year’s record pace of 2,497 containers per ship.
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.
