Port of Oakland has reported an 11% decline in its container volumes in March with exports falling 25% and imports 3% compared with the same month in 2021.
However, the Californian port said there are indications that cargo volume growth could return soon because import loads jumped 10% in the past 30 days and exports spiked 12%. Additionally, congestion at Oakland vessel berths, a cause of cargo decline, has eased significantly.
“We’re pleased with our March figures,” said Port of Oakland maritime director, Bryan Brandes, who expects the port’s container volumes to rise in the next months, despite continued Covid-related lockdowns in China, which is Oakland’s top trading partner.
The eight busiest box port in the United States attributed diminished business last month to reduced vessel arrivals. Only 82 ships stopped in Oakland during March compared to 93 a year ago, according to the port’s data, while West Coast port congestion slowed ship visits.
Reduced ship visits led to diminished export business at Oakland, and exporters, especially agricultural shippers, had difficulty finding enough vessel space or containers to transport commodities, according to the port.
Oakland said it is aiming to help exporters by providing an exclusive depot for empty container pick-up, which “enables shippers to avoid busy marine terminals where most empty containers are stored.”
