March 13, 2026
Port of Oakland starts 2026 with modest cargo growth in January
The Port of Oakland announced it began 2026 with steady cargo performance, handling 195,897 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) in January, a 1.4% increase compared to January 2025 and a 9.1% rise from December 2025 volumes. The results signal a stable start to the year, supported primarily by stronger import activity following the holiday shipping season.
Loaded imports reached 85,457 TEUs in January, increasing 4.9% year over year and climbing 15.4% compared to December. The gains reflect improved inbound cargo flows as supply chains normalized after late-year demand cycles.
Total import volume, including empty containers, totaled 100,482 TEUs up 6.8% from January 2025 and 13.3% higher month over month.
Loaded exports totaled 64,510 TEUs, remaining essentially flat year over year with a slight 0.3% decline and falling 2.3% from December levels. The figures reflect continued variability in overseas markets affecting outbound shipments.
Overall export volume, including empties, reached 95,415 TEUs, down 3.7% compared to the same month last year but up 5.0% from December, supported in part by ongoing agricultural exports.
The Port recorded 88 vessel calls during January, nearly unchanged from the prior year. Average container exchange per vessel was approximately 2,226 TEUs, reflecting the continued deployment of larger vessels calling Oakland.
Source: Port of Oakland