The Port of Oakland handled 163,254 TEUs in February 2026, down 16.7 per cent from January and 14.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY), as vessel activity slowed partly due to the Lunar New Year.
Vessel calls fell from 86 in January to 72, reflecting planned blank sailings linked to factory shutdowns over the holiday. These pre-scheduled cancellations are used by carriers to match capacity with demand.
Exports remained a relatively bright spot. The port processed 86,796 export TEUs, ahead of 76,458 import TEUs, underlining its role as a key gateway for US agricultural and refrigerated cargo.
Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, said: “February’s volume was shaped in large part by seasonal vessel scheduling around Lunar New Year. Even with fewer vessel calls, Oakland’s export business remained comparatively resilient, reflecting the Port’s continued role as a leader in refrigerated and agricultural cargo.”
READ: Port of Oakland moves 195,897 TEUs in January
Imports saw the steepest drop, falling 19.6 per cent YoY as reduced vessel capacity constrained inbound flows. Export volumes declined 9.5 per cent, showing greater resilience.
Loaded containers totalled 130,192 TEUs, the bulk of throughput, while empty containers reached 33,062 TEUs, indicating underlying demand remained steady.
Year to date, loaded containers account for around 78 per cent of total TEUs, with exports making up roughly 51 per cent, highlighting Oakland’s continued reliance on export trade.
As vessel schedules normalise after the Lunar New Year, volumes are expected to stabilise.
For more information:
Port of Oakland – https://www.portofoakland.com/
