Full container volumes (including imports and exports) at the Port of Oakland have reportedly increased by 18 per cent in May compared to February.
Although the loaded cargo TEU at the Port of Oakland has been increasing for three months, the loaded container volume remains lower than last year, with a 19 per cent reduction in the first five months compared to the same time in 2022.
The surge in goods movement caused by strong consumer spending during the epidemic lasted into 2022, pushing volumes higher in the first half of last year.
Total full TEU declined compared to May of 2022, posting a 22.7 per cent drop, with 134,398 TEU.
READ: Port of Oakland loses 21 per cent to East Coast dominance
Full imports fell 28.2 per cent with 70,887 TEU processed by the port, versus 98,792 TEU in May 2022.
Importers continued to choose East Coast and Gulf Coast ports last month due to the ongoing contract discussions between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
Port of Oakland Maritime Director, Bryan Brandes, said: “Last week’s positive news on the tentative agreement between the ILWU and PMA will restore shipper’s confidence in West Coast ports as they are the most efficient gateway for goods moving between Asia and the US.”
Full exports registered a 15.4 per cent decline, with 63,511 TEU transiting port facilities, compared to 75,067 TEU in May 2022.
They are down 9 per cent year-to-date compared to the same period in 2022.
READ: Port of Oakland grows 11 per cent amid exports upswing
Empty exports at the Port of Oakland fell 19.5 per cent, with 28,315 TEU handled in May 2023, down from 35,188 TEU in May 2022.
Empty imports increased 3.8 per cent to 15,836 TEU in May 2023, up from 15,254 TEU in May 2022.
