By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Oakland saw a 7.3 percent increase in loaded imports and handled 3.3 percent more loaded exports in January than it did a year ago, according to the latest figures released Tuesday.
After three consecutive months of decline, Oakland showed an increase in imports, while exports have been up for the fourth straight month. The port also posted a 17.7 percent decrease in empty containers year over year.
Port officials are crediting the increases in loaded imports and exports to strong domestic and Asia consumer demand, but the coronavirus could dampen trade growth.
“It’s possible,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “The uptick in January was encouraging but we’re hearing from shipping lines that cargo volume could moderate over the next few months.”
