Port of Oakland reported that its 2019 container volumes declined from 2018, but on the contrary its loaded import and export containers were at a record high.
Specifically, the port’s container volumes decreased by 1.8%, in comparison to 2018, while attributing to a 13% decline in empty container handling.
Moreover, the port’s exports rose by 3.7% last year, with imports increasing by 1%. Therefore, the port set a record for loaded containers in 2019 with 1.9 million TEUs.
It is also reported that port of Oakland surpassed the 2018 record of 1.86 million loaded TEUs, with the port commenting that the results were promising, despite the ongoing US-China trade war affecting the shipping industry.
Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll stated that
We’re encouraged that our loaded imports and exports set annual records. We are looking to improve on this cargo performance in the coming year, especially if the U.S. and China can continue to break down trade barriers.
Consumers were a plus for 2019, as consumer spending kept import volumes increasing, despite the tariffs on Chinese products.
The Port attributed export volume growth to continued demand for U.S. agricultural products. Shippers are increasingly finding markets outside China to grow their businesses, the Port said.
