Port of Oakland posts May volume rebound on trade growth

This was port’s highest monthly cargo volume since January 2026. 

Growth was driven by increases in both import and export cargo. Full imports reached 83,809 TEUs, up 5.7 per cent from the same month last year, while full exports totaled 69,284 TEUs, a 2.9 per cent increase. Total loaded volume climbed 4.4 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to 153,093 TEUs, showing continued growth.      Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, said: “May marked the second consecutive month of year-over-year growth in total volume, with gains in both full imports and full exports contributing to the month’s performance. “The start of a new transpacific vessel service during the month added capacity and strengthened connectivity for cargo moving through Oakland.”          May volume increased 3.5 per cent from April, when the Port handled 184,492 TEUs. Vessel calls also rose from 79 in April to 88 in May.   The port’s import growth reflects continued consumer demand and inventory replenishment activity, while export gains underscore ongoing demand for Northern California agricultural products and other US exports moving through Oakland. 

Through the first five months of 2026, the port processed 933,309 TEUs, down 4.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2025. Full exports increased 0.5 per cent year-to-date, while total loaded cargo volume declined 1.4 per cent.   Recent cargo trends have shown signs of improvement. The port has recorded two consecutive months of YoY growth and achieved its strongest monthly volume since the start of the year.