The Port of Oakland’s total loaded container volumes were 116,629 TEU in July, which translates to a 28% drop compared to the same month last year.
Loaded imports were down by 26.7% recording 69,463 TEU last month, while loaded export containers experienced a 30.8% decline, with 47,166 TEU transiting through the port in July.
"The port was closed nearly a week last month due to the trucker protests voicing concern over AB5," said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. "This congestion reduced our overall July volume."
The Port of Oakland said it is experiencing ongoing supply chain issues which have been exacerbated by a week-long boycott by independent truckers protesting the state law AB5. The protest snarled port operations, slowing the unloading of inbound ships, and delaying imports from leaving the terminals, according to a statement.
Meanwhile, full imports in 2022 year-to-date are decreased by 4% compared to the first seven months of 2021.
The port added that congestion in the container yards hindered the terminals' ability to load ships with goods destined for export, while the disruption caused by the strike and supply chain issues are making it harder for exporters to coordinate shipping activities and get their goods out of the port.
Port officials estimate that it could take a month before the port traffic will recover from the protest.
"Additionally, rates charged to ship containers from Asia to the US continued to decline pointing to a possible decrease in demand for imports," said the port in a statement.
