Global News FreightWaves Key exports grow
for Port of Oakland in down month

Stuart Chirls, Tuesday, January 06, 2026
Original Article: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/key-exports-grow-for-port-of-oakland-in-down-month
Articles Reproduced by Permission of FreightWaves

(Photo: Port of Oakland)

Seasonal weakness saw container volumes slip

The Port of Oakland handled 174,239 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in November, a 4.1% year-over-year decline and 4.7% decrease from October.

The northern California hub in a release said the weaker total reflected typical seasonal slowing and ongoing adjustments in global shipping patterns.

The chaotic tariff and policy resets that marked the Trump administration’s trade war with China in 2025 led to operational shifts by ocean carriers, with schedule changes, blankings and consolidations that have seen increasing vessel diversions away from some West Coast ports, such as Oakland, to the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert in western Canada.

Oakland loaded exports totaled 68,824 TEUs, up 3.3% y/y and 4% from October on strong agricultural and refrigerated shipments. Loaded imports reached 73,092 TEUs, down 9.3% y/y and 11.1% from October on falling import demand on the eastbound trans-Pacific.

“Export strength continues to be a key driver for Oakland,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes, in the release. “Even as the market recalibrates, our exporters are moving goods consistently, and efficient terminal operations are supporting balanced cargo flows and reliable service for our customers.”

All loaded container volumes totaled 141,915 TEUs, off 3.6% y/y and relatively unchanged from the previous month.

Empty container volumes, an indicator of future import traffic, fell to 32,324 TEUs, a decrease of 6.4% y/y and 6.3% from October. The port cited carrier equipment repositioning rather than changes in loaded cargo demand for the declines.

November saw vessel calls fell 8.4% y/y to 76 in November, and off 11.6% from October, as carriers continued to deploy larger vessels and consolidate services.