More Than 200,000 TEUs Processed by Port of Oakland in March

Last month, the Port of Oakland reported a significant increase in its container traffic, with 202,816 TEUs processed, a 19.1% rise from March 2023.

Import volumes at the Oakland Seaport have been climbing steadily for five months, with a remarkable 38.4% increase from the previous year. In March 2024, operators managed 83,483 full inbound TEUs, the highest level since August 2022. 

This surge is linked to rising incomes and net worth among consumers in major Northern California markets, which has boosted demand for imports.

Exports from the port also saw growth, with full outbound volumes up by 14.8% from March 2023. This March, the port moved 75,352 TEUs, the highest figure for full exports since April 2021, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth.

Empty container imports grew by 11.9%, totaling 20,254 TEUs in March 2024, up from 18,097 TEUs the year before. However, the volume of empty exports fell by 9.5%, down to 23,728 TEUs in March 2024 from 26,225 TEUs in March 2023.

"I am encouraged that the positive cargo trends we are seeing in 2024 continue. A strong economy and the need for retailers to replenish stock in their warehouses are driving import cargo activity today," said Bryan Brandes, Maritime Director of Port of Oakland.