The Port of Oakland recorded a 4.1% year-over-year decline in total trade volume, according to newly released November data. While a decline of this size would typically raise concerns, port officials say the latest numbers point to a stabilizing cargo environment amid ongoing global trade adjustments.
Last year, uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on key trading partners created concern about potential disruptions at the port. However, officials now view November’s performance as an encouraging sign, particularly due to steady export demand for California agricultural products and improved terminal efficiency.
“Export strength continues to be a key driver for Oakland,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said in a statement. “Even as the market recalibrates, our exporters are moving goods consistently, and efficient terminal operations are supporting balanced cargo flows and reliable service for our customers.”
Earlier this year, when tariffs were implemented against several major trade partners, port leadership acknowledged that the full effects had yet to materialize. At that time, Brandes noted that tariffs had “not affected us yet, but it will.”
Although November’s decline was smaller than some economists anticipated, fewer ships arrived at the port. According to port officials, shipping lines are consolidating cargo onto larger vessels, resulting in fewer scheduled port calls. The port recorded 78 vessel calls in November, reflecting an 8.4% decline compared to last year and an 11.6% drop from October.
“Carriers continued to deploy larger vessels and consolidate service,” the port stated in a press release. “Fewer calls, paired with higher average cargo per vessel, helped sustain overall cargo throughput at the Port’s marine terminals.”
Import volumes were also affected. The port handled 73,092 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of imported cargo in November, down 9.3% year over year and 11.1% month over month, signaling weaker demand for overseas goods.
Exports remained comparatively stable, with outbound cargo totaling 141,915 TEUs, a 3.6% year-over-year decline, helping balance overall port activity.
“November performance reflects the Port navigating shifting market conditions, with export strength and operational efficiency supporting consistent cargo flows amid shifting market conditions,” the Port’s release said.
Comments are closed