The Port of Oakland handled 190,958 TEUs in May 2026, a 1.9% increase compared to May 2025 and the port’s highest monthly cargo volume since January 2026.
The result marked the second consecutive month of year-over-year growth, with gains recorded across both import and export categories.
Full imports reached 83,809 TEUs, up 5.7% year-on-year, while full exports totalled 69,284 TEUs, a 2.9% increase.
Total loaded volume climbed 4.4 percent to 153,093 TEUs. Total imports including empties reached 94,975 TEUs, and total exports including empties came in at 95,983 TEUs.
May volume increased 3.5% compared to April’s 184,492 TEUs, while vessel calls rose from 79 in April to 88 in May.
Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, attributed the month’s performance to gains in both full imports and full exports, noting that the start of a new transpacific vessel service during the month added capacity and strengthened connectivity for cargo moving through Oakland.
Import growth was linked to continued consumer demand and inventory replenishment activity, while export gains reflected sustained demand for Northern California agricultural products and other US exports moving through the port.
Through the first five months of 2026, the Port of Oakland processed 933,309 TEUs, down 4.2% compared to the same period in 2025.
Full exports increased 0.5 percent year-to-date, while total loaded cargo volume declined 1.4% over the same period, indicating that despite recent monthly improvements, the port’s year-to-date performance continues to reflect the impact of earlier softness in the first quarter.
