Port of Oakland sees April cargo volume dip amid trade policy uncertainty

The Port of Oakland processed 185,499 TEUs in April 2025, representing a 14.7% drop in total cargo volume compared to March.

This decline is attributed to growing market uncertainty and a decrease in export demand, both influenced by recent shifts in US trade policy.

Despite the monthly slowdown, the port handled 787,028 TEUs during the first four months of 2025, showing a 4.3% year-on-year increase over the same period in 2024.

“Container volume has remained stable through the early months of 2025,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes.

“However, uncertainty and increased tariffs have impacted our China-related trade. We expect similar levels in May, followed by a strong rebound in June. The Port remains committed to service reliability and strong coordination with partners as market conditions evolve.”

The port recorded 78,965 TEUs of full imports in April, a 10.2% decrease from March’s high of 87,896 TEUs — the strongest month of 2025 so far, driven by anticipation of new tariffs.

Still, April 2025 imports were 4.8% higher than in April 2024.

With 45% of Oakland’s imports sourced from China, the implementation of new US duties in early April is expected to more heavily impact import flows beginning in May.

Full exports totaled 64,723 TEUs in April 2025, down 4.2% from April 2024 and 15% lower than the 76,157 TEUs moved in March.

Export volumes have been weighed down by market uncertainty, including concerns about retaliatory tariffs and fluctuating international demand.

Though only 7% of Oakland’s exports are bound for China, global market unpredictability is affecting booking patterns, especially for agricultural and food-related shipments.

However, refrigerated exports remain strong, with the Port’s cold chain infrastructure maintaining a competitive edge during the spring export season.

Empty container movement also declined in both directions. Empty imports dropped 11.7% year-on-year and 22% from March, with 14,438 TEUs handled in April 2025, compared to 16,351 TEUs in April 2024 and 18,542 TEUs in March.

Empty exports totaled 27,374 TEUs in April, a 6.8% decrease from 29,375 TEUs in the same month last year.

These reductions reflect ongoing strategic equipment repositioning to better manage cargo imbalances across global trade routes.

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