Port of Oakland export rally rolls into fifth-straight month

Port of Oakland spokesmen contend that “a containerized export rally” is underway. 

Noting that export volume increased 5.1 percent in May over the same period a year ago, port officials point out that it was the fifth-straight month of export gains there… and the highest volume in 17 months.

“Export cargo is critical to our success,” said Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “So naturally we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far in 2016.”

The port said that it shipped the equivalent of 83,969 loaded 20-foot export containers last month.  That was the most since October 2014 when it shipped 86,065 boxes.  The port said that a slightly weaker dollar has contributed to the export rally.  As the dollar’s value declines, U.S. goods become more affordable overseas.

Oakland cargo volume traditionally has been weighted more toward exports than imports, although it continues to compete for more inbound ocean cargo vessels calls.

Exports accounted for 52 percent of Oakland’s loaded container volume in 2016 through May, the Port reported.

The port said that year-to-date, Oakland export volume has increased 13.6 percent over 2015.  Import volume is up, too, increasing 12.3 percent so far this year, the port said.  May imports increased 3 percent from May 2015 totals.

The port’s total container volume is up 8.4 percent so far this year.  Total volume includes loaded import and export containers as well as empty containers.