Port Of Oakland Reports Record Import Volume In 2021; Declines In Exports

OAKLAND (CBS SF) – The Port of Oakland is reporting a record volume of imports for 2021 but a decline in the number of exports due to supply chain "misery."

The port handled the equivalent of 1.05 million 20-foot import containers last year -- the most in its 94-year history and 6 percent over 2020 totals, port officials said Monday.

However, its 2021 export volume -- 2.4 million 20-foot containers - was 8 percent lower than the prior year because of disruptions associated with supply chain problems, according to port officials.

"Unprecedented" U.S. consumer demand boosted import numbers but voyage cancellations and a cargo container shortage led to the export slow-down, port officials said.

More supply chain problems are expected in 2022 "as trade growth continues to outpace supply chain capacity," according to the port, which is implementing a new queueing system for arriving ships and offering an empty container yard for exporters to help cope with disruptions.

Oakland