The Port of Oakland reported a positive first quarter, as the March container volumes increased by 10% in comparison to same month last year. This rise can be attributed to the fact that shippers are trying to get ahead of potential new tariffs in the US-China trade war.
The Port of Oakland today reported that through the end of March 2019 it handled 612,151 TEUs, compared to 587,356 TEUs during the same period in 2018. This is a 4.2% increase.
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In addition, during March, the Port handled 213,972 TEUs compared to 193,341 in March 2018. That marks a 10.7% increase.
Loaded exports also rose 7.6% during March, compared to the same period in 2018.
However, there has been some concern in the shipping industry that a recent import surge has cooled. The surge was caused by shippers in 2018 trying to get ahead of possible new tariffs affecting US-China trade.
Commenting on the results, Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll, stated:
Though the import rally has calmed down, we are still seeing a strong consumer demand in Northern California and Western Nevada. The Bay Area’s strong consumer-based economy has helped the Port of Oakland absorb the impact of the weakening rally better than other ports
