Port of Oakland import cargo still surging in 2022

Oakland, Calif. – Feb. 23, 2022 – Port of Oakland import cargo volume surged again last month following a record-setting 2021 performance. The Port said today it handled the equivalent of 83,860 import containers in January. That was an 8.3 percent increase year-over-year. 

The result signals continued strength in global trade moving through Oakland. Last year, the Port handled 1 million import boxes, the most in its 95-year history. According to the Port, strong U.S. consumer spending continues to spur the import binge. 

“As imports rise nationwide, Oakland continues to play a key role in strengthening the global supply chain,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We’re also working closely with federal, state and industry partners to boost exports that include agricultural commodities as well.” 

January import volume may have been boosted by February Lunar New Year observances in Asia, the Port said.  U.S. importers traditionally order heavy ahead of holiday factory closures in Asian manufacturing centers.

Cargo handling activity reached all-time highs in January at Oakland marine terminals, the Port said.  An average of 2,800 containers were loaded or unloaded on every ship at Port, Oakland reported. That was up from an average of 2,500 containers per vessel a year ago. The total is up nearly 100 percent in the past five years.

The Port said 69 container ships tied up at Oakland in January.  That was down 14 percent from the same month a year ago.  The Port attributed declining vessel calls to two factors:

• Shipping lines seeking economies of scale by loading more containers on fewer ships; and
• Sailing schedule delays at Southern California ports forcing some ships to bypass Oakland.

Oakland said reduced ship visits resulted in a 10.8 percent drop in January export volume. The Port said Oakland exporters couldn’t find enough vessel space to load their containers for overseas destinations. The Port said it foresees restoration of export volume as shipping lines restore services that had bypassed Oakland.