Export volumes at the Northern California port jumped 7 percent in April 2016 compared with the same month a year ago thanks in part to a weaker dollar making U.S. goods more affordable overseas.
The Port of Oakland handled 78,613 TEUs of export cargo in April, 7 percent more than the prior year, according to recent data released by the port.
It was the fourth month in a row that exports rose. Import volumes, on the other hand, stood at 72,352 TEUs for the month, a 3.3 percent year-over-year decline.
“Export volume is up 16.3 percent through April. That’s welcome news following a 2015 decline that saw Oakland exports drop 11.5 percent,” the port said, attributing export gains primarily to a weaker dollar that makes U.S. goods more affordable overseas.
Total cargo volumes in Oakland – imports, exports and empty containers – declined 6.3 percent in April, the port said. That was due primarily to a near 30 percent drop in empty container shipments.
For the year, Oakland’s total cargo volumes are up 11.3 percent so far compared with the same 2015 period.
Port of Oakland exports grow for fourth straight month
