Port of Oakland Cargo Volume Rises in May as Imports and Exports Grow

June 23, 2026

Total container volume increases year-over-year, marking second straight month of growth

Oakland, Calif. – June 23, 2026: The Port of Oakland handled 190,958 TEUs (twenty-foot containers) in May 2026, up from 184,492 TEUs in April and a 1.9% increase over May 2025. Vessel calls increased from 79 in April to 88 in May, and total volume rose 3.5% month-over-month. The increase was driven by growth in both import and export cargo.

Full imports reached 83,809 TEUs, a 5.7% increase year-over-year, while full exports totaled 69,284 TEUs, a 2.9% increase. Total loaded volume climbed 4.4% to 153,093 TEUs, reflecting continued strength in cargo moving through the Port.

“May marked a return to year-over-year growth in total volume,” said Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director. “Growth in both full imports and full exports, together with the addition of a new transpacific vessel service, reflects continued demand for Oakland’s gateway and provides customers with additional capacity and connectivity.”

Year-to-date volume through May totaled 933,309 TEUs, down 4.2% from the same period in 2025. Full exports increased 0.5% year-to-date, while loaded cargo volume declined 1.4%. May’s performance reflects improving cargo activity, with total volume increasing 3.5% from April and returning to year-over-year growth.

The Port’s import growth reflects continued consumer demand and inventory replenishment activity, while export gains underscore ongoing demand for Northern California agricultural products and other U.S. exports moving through Oakland.

Recent cargo trends have shown signs of improvement. The Port has recorded two consecutive months of year-over-year growth and achieved its strongest monthly volume since the start of the year.

May 2026 Highlights

• Total TEUs: 190,958, up 1.9% year-over-year
• Full Imports: 83,809 TEUs, up 5.7% year-over-year
• Full Exports: 69,284 TEUs, up 2.9% year-over-year
• Loaded Volume: 153,093 TEUs, up 4.4% year-over-year
• Imports (including empties): 94,975 TEUs
• Exports (including empties): 95,983 TEUs
• Vessel Calls: 88, up from 79 in April
• Year-to-Date Volume: 933,309 TEUs, down 4.2%

For more container statistics, visit: Port of Oakland Facts & Figures.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.