After two months of declines, imports in November were up at the Port of Oakland, according to new data released Wednesday.
The Northern California seaport moved 6.5% more cargo last month than the same time last year, thanks to additional ship traffic. Last month, the port saw 75 vessels arrive in Oakland, the most in half a year, the port said.
Meanwhile, exports in November fell 9.4% year over year, which the port attributes to not enough vessels heading to foreign markets.
Earlier this year, delays in San Pedro Bay prompted vessels to bypass Oakland, but now carriers are seeing Oakland as an alternative to avoid more congested ports, according to the Northern California seaport.
Oakland saw more business activity in November, from shipping lines bringing back ship service after cancellations in the middle of the year to cargo owners chartering their own vessels to get to Oakland, the port said.
“We’re gratified that shipping lines and cargo owners recognize the value of coming to the Port of Oakland,” said Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We’re working hard to move their cargo efficiently as ports elsewhere face headwinds.”
So far this year, Oakland is handling close to 8% more import cargo, with total container volumes up by 1% in 2021, something that could put the port on track to have its busiest year on record.
