The Port of Oakland handled 184,492 TEUs in April, with exports (92,687 TEUs) exceeding imports (91,805 TEUs) — the second consecutive month of export leadership. Total volume fell 0.5% year-on-year due to frontloading in April 2025 ahead of tariff deadlines. Loaded exports totaled 63,910 TEUs versus 78,822 TEUs for loaded imports. Year-to-date volume stood at 742,351 TEUs, down 5.7% from 2025. The port attributed stability to larger vessel exchanges and resilient cargo mix, citing agricultural exports and Northern California commerce as key strengths.
The Port of Oakland, Calif., handled 184,492 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April, as cargo activity stabilized amid fewer vessel arrivals.
Cargo Volume and Vessel Activity
April volume edged down from 198,667 TEUs in March as vessel calls declined from 86 to 80. The port in a release credited throughput resilience in the face of evolving global shipping patterns.
Exports Outpace Imports
- April imports: 91,805 TEUs
- April exports: 92,687 TEUs
- Loaded imports: 78,822 TEUs
- Loaded exports: 63,910 TEUs
Total cargo volume in April slipped 0.5% from the same month a year ago, when shippers frontloaded ahead of tariff deadlines. Year-to-date, volume through April was 742,351 TEUs, a bigger decline of 5.7% from the same period in 2025.
Port Statement on Market Conditions
“April’s softer activity reflected a combination of fewer vessel calls, continued adjustments in carrier scheduling and vessel deployment, and typical month-to-month cargo fluctuations,” the port said. “Even with fewer vessel arrivals, cargo volumes remained comparatively stable, continuing a trend toward larger vessel exchanges and increased cargo movement per call.”
Strategic Cargo Diversity
Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said Oakland’s diverse cargo mix helps the hub weather volatility across trans-Pacific trade markets. It’s a gateway for agricultural exports and Northern California commerce, he said.
Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
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Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
