The Port of Oakland reports a 13.1% rise in container imports, marking 13 consecutive months of growth as it aims to reach pre-pandemic levels.
The Port of Oakland continues to experience surging container imports, with November marking the 13th consecutive month of increased loads for the Northern California gateway, according to New York's FreightWaves.
In November, full imports rose by 13.1% compared to the same month in 2022, with the port handling 80,580 TEU, up from 71,258 TEU a year ago.
"We are optimistic that strong container volume will continue through the end of the year," said Carolyn Almquist, the port's manager of business development and international marketing.
"We expect to be on track to return to our pre-pandemic baseline cargo numbers. Our total inbound and outbound volume is up, and agricultural exports are boosting our outbound cargo business."
Total container volume in 2019 was 2,500,461 TEU, according to port data.
In November, loaded exports increased by 8.5% to 66,619 TEU, up from 61,390 TEU in November 2022.
Total cargo volume year-to-date is up 10% compared to the same period in 2022.
However, empty imports dropped by 14.8% to 12,028 TEU in November 2023, compared to 14,118 TEU year-on-year. Conversely, empty exports increased by 14.7% to 22,495 TEU from 19,613 TEU year-on-year.
