By Post Staff

Port of Oakland July container volume marked a strong rebound from June, with volumes climbing sharply as importers moved cargo early to get ahead of the announced Aug. 1 tariff deadlines.

As one of the city’s largest economic engines, the Port of Oakland plays a critical role in job creation, international trade, and regional development.

Loaded imports jumped from 70,334 TEUs (20-foot containers) in June to 92,392 TEUs in July, a 31.4% increase, the highest monthly import total so far in 2025.

“This kind of front-loading—where cargo owners accelerate shipments to avoid added costs—was clearly the driving force behind the month’s performance,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes.

The increase was not limited to inbound cargo — full exports also rose, moving from 59,593 TEUs in June to 65,595 TEUs in July, an increase of 10.1%. Together, full TEUs totaled 157,987 for the month, up more than 21% from June.

Vessel activity also reflected the uptick in demand. Ninety-five vessels called the Port in July, up from 77 in June—a 23.4% increase—as carriers added more port calls to accommodate the additional volume. Average TEUs per vessel edged down slightly from 2,187 in June, to 2,138 in July, a natural shift when more ships are sharing the load.

Year-to-date, total TEUs through July stand at 1,346,022, keeping the Port 1.9% ahead of 2024’s pace. Loaded imports are tracking 3.5% higher than last year, while loaded exports are up 0.3%.

July’s surge underscores how quickly cargo flows can shift in response to announced changes in trade policy.

“The pending tariffs created a clear incentive for importers to push cargo through in advance, giving us a strong month across the board,” said Brandes. “As that front-loaded cargo works its way through the supply chain, we anticipate a more moderate pace in the months ahead.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s recent appointments to the Port Commission include Derrick Muhammad, a labor leader from West Oakland and member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).

Muhammad brings firsthand knowledge of the Port’s impact on working families. “He will ensure that working people and West Oakland residents remain at the center of Port decision-making,” according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office.

Muhammad, a maritime lawyer and a former leader of the ILWU, is a lifelong Oakland resident and a third-generation ILWU member. He is also an environmental advocate, who has opposed allowing a coal terminal in Oakland.

“This is the first time a representative of the people who actually work at the Port has been on the Port Commission,” said Lee.

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