Shipping Volume At Port Of Oakland Points To Export Rally

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Port of Oakland officials said that an export rally might be underway as containerized export volume is up 19.9 percent this year over 2015.

Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said in a statement, "It's too soon to declare this a trend, but we're encouraged by recent signs."

According to port officials, March exports were up 9.9 percent, the third straight increase in Oakland.

The Port of Oakland is one of the nation's leading gateways to Asia and exports comprise more than half the Port's total 2016 cargo volume, while other west coast ports depend on imports, Port officials said.

The recent gains are attributed to a recent decline in the strength of the dollar, as U.S. goods are more affordable overseas when the dollar's value declines, according to port officials.

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