The Port of Oakland is wrapping up the year with a significant boost in container traffic, a positive indicator for both the local economy and global trade dynamics. According to an article published by the Port of Oakland, the seaport has seen a 10% increase in total cargo volume from January through November compared to the same period in 2023. This uptick propels the port's business as it navigates the post-pandemic economic landscape.
In a statement, Port of Oakland Manager of Business Development and International Marketing Carolyn Almquist expressed optimism about the rising figures, "We are optimistic that strong container volume will continue through the end of the year." Almquist also reported via the Port of Oakland release, "We expect to be on track to return to our pre-pandemic baseline cargo numbers. Our total inbound and outbound volume is up, and agricultural exports are boosting our outbound cargo business."
Notably, full imports in November experienced a significant jump of 13.1% over the previous year's figures for the same month. The port handled 80,580 TEUs, up from 71,258 in November 2023. Marking its 13th consecutive month of loaded container growth, the Oakland Seaport appears to be on a steady expansion trajectory in total cargo throughput.
Full exports from the port also saw an increase, up 8.5%, with 66,619 TEUs in November 2024, as opposed to 61,390 TEUs during the same month in 2023. Empty imports, conversely, dipped 14.8%, with 12,028 TEUs moving through the port in November 2024, as against 14,118 TEUs in November of the previous year. Empty exports took the upward route, just like the overall trend, registering a 14.7% rise with 22,495 TEUs compared to 19,613 TEUs in November last year.
