Loaded imports up 0.5 percent, setting a new high
The Port of Oakland’s total loaded container volume in June was down 1.5% compared to June 2021. The Port handled 163,757 loaded TEUs (twenty-foot containers) last month compared to 166,252 in June 2021. The total volume, including empties, was down 2.9%.
Loaded import volume continues to rise. Loaded imports were slightly up with 95,530 TEUs last month compared to 95,060 in June 2021. That’s a 0.5% increase. The trend sets an import volume record.
The increase in imports was offset by a drop in loaded exports. Loaded export containers came in at 68,227 TEUs in June compared to 71,192 TEUs in June 2021. This represents a 4.2% decline, reflecting ongoing challenges with vessel schedule disruptions and lack of sufficient capacity on departing ships at Oakland for full exports.
“Despite prolonged supply chain challenges, so far we are maintaining our import volume,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We’re continuing to encourage ocean carriers to restore routes that will help expand vessel capacity for our exporters.”
| Full | Empty | Grand Total | |||||
| Import | Export | Total | Import | Export | Total | ||
| Jan-22 | 83,860 | 61,704 | 145,564 | 11,866 | 35,775 | 47,641 | 193,205 |
| Feb-22 | 85,286 | 62,334 | 147,620 | 14,633 | 32,135 | 46,768 | 194,388 |
| Mar-22 | 94,271 | 69,878 | 164,148 | 13,479 | 36,832 | 50,310 | 214,459 |
| Apr-22 | 84,303 | 65,834 | 150,137 | 17,993 | 20,365 | 38,358 | 188,495 |
| May-22 | 98,789 | 75,067 | 173,857 | 15,254 | 35,188 | 50,442 | 224,299 |
| Jun-22 | 95,530 | 68,227 | 163,757 | 11,788 | 40,408 | 52,196 | 215,952 |
Supply chain issues are still dampening total cargo volume growth at Oakland including:
- Port congestion in Asia linked to COVID restrictions
- Import dwell time causing congestion
- Continued U.S. West Coast supply chain bottlenecks in all modes of transportation
- Lack of capacity to meet demand at Western regional warehouses
Summer and early fall are usually the busy times for imports as retailers order inventory for the school year and winter holidays.
These cargo statistics do not reflect the recent protest disruptions at the Oakland Seaport which halted operations for several days. The operational impacts will likely take weeks to sort out.
