Oakland, Calif. – March 26, 2018: Agricultural exports shipped from here have increased 42.7 percent in volume since 2013, the Port of Oakland said today. Port officials said that the vigorous growth reflects continued strong overseas demand for U.S. farm goods. They added that export growth could stall if foreign governments tax American goods in retaliation for Trump Administration tariffs.
“Overseas demand for high-quality American-grown products – especially in Asia – has never been stronger,” said Chris Lytle, the Port’s Executive Director. “We’d be disappointed to see anything curb the gains being made by American producers.”
According to just-released data, Oakland ag export volume totaled 375,727 20-foot containers in 2017. That was up from 263,218 containers just four years ago. The Port said that California producers accounted for 55 percent of Oakland farm shipments last year. Japan, China and South Korea were the top-three export destinations.
The Port tracks agricultural shipments closely since export cargo accounts for half of its total volume. Oakland is considered a principal U.S. gateway to overseas markets for two reasons:
- It’s the last U.S. stop for ships heading back to Asia. That makes it the shortest route to the world’s fastest-growing markets.
- Oakland is the closest port for producers in California’s Central, Napa and Salinas valleys.
According to Port data, leading export commodities from Oakland in 2017 included California almonds and rice. Oakland expects big increases in meat shipments beginning this fall. The Port said a 283,000-square-foot distribution center called Cool Port Oakland should open in September. The distribution center expects to export up to 30,000 containers of beef, pork and poultry annually. The Port said much of that product would originate in the U.S. Midwest.
The Trump Administration announced last week that it intends to impose tariffs on some steel and aluminum imports. China responded that it’s considering retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. commodities including some farm goods.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port’s 5-year strategic plan – Growth with Care – pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Tel. 510-627-1565
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Tel. 510-627-1193
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