The Port of Oakland has issued that containerized export volume increased 7 percent last month from a year ago. It was the fourth consecutive month of increases in Oakland.
The Port said that 2016 export volume is up 16.3 percent through April. That’s welcome news following a 2015 decline that saw Oakland exports drop 11.5 percent. The Port attributed export gains to a weaker dollar that makes U.S. goods more affordable overseas.
“We’re pleased to see export volume growing,” said Port Maritime Director John Driscoll. “It’s a sign that business is picking up for our customers.”
The Port said it has shipped the equivalent of 300,000 20-foot export containers so far this year. By comparison, it reported receiving the equivalent of 277,000 20-foot import boxes. The contrast reflects Oakland’s status as a leading U.S. export gateway. Most American ports handle more imports than exports.
Total cargo volume in Oakland – imports, exports and empty containers – declined 6.3 percent in April, the Port said. That was due primarily to a near 30 percent drop in empty container shipments. For the year, Oakland’s total cargo volume is up 11.3 percent.
Source & Image credit: Port of Oakland
