Port of Oakland Closes 2025 with Stable Cargo Volumes

January 14, 2026

Growth in exports offsets soft import numbers amid uneven global trade conditions

Oakland, Calif. – Jan. 14, 2026: The Port of Oakland handled 179,580 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) in December 2025, a slight 1.7% decrease from year-over-year totals, as the Port closed out the calendar year with stable overall cargo volumes despite uneven global trade conditions.

Full containerized cargo totaled 140,050 TEUs, down 3.0% compared to December 2024. Loaded imports declined 12.8%, while loaded exports increased 10.9%, with imports softening as export activity strengthened during the month.

Empty container volumes reached 39,530 TEUs, an increase of 3.4% year over year, reflecting continued equipment repositioning at the end of the year. On a month-to-month basis, December volumes rose slightly compared to November, consistent with normal year-end shipping patterns.

“December reflected the kind of uneven performance we’ve seen across the industry, with softer imports and strong export activity,” said Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director. “That difference is more about timing and adjustment than any fundamental change in demand.”

December 2025 at a Glance

Total TEUs: 179,580 (-1.7% YoY)
Full TEUs: 140,050 (-3.0% YoY)
Loaded Imports: -12.8% YoY
Loaded Exports: +10.9% YoY
Empty TEUs: +3.4% YoY

Full-Year 2025 Cargo Results

For the full calendar year 2025, the Port of Oakland handled 2,253,976 TEUs, finishing the year essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to 2024—a notable outcome amid ongoing economic and policy uncertainty.

Total import TEUs declined 0.9%, while export TEUs increased slightly by 0.1%, resulting in a balanced 50/50 import-export split for the year. Full containers accounted for approximately 77% of total volume, consistent with recent years.

“In an environment defined by uncertainty, maintaining stability matters,” Brandes said. “Our focus throughout the year was on keeping cargo moving reliably and predictably, ensuring customers could continue to move goods efficiently as trade conditions shifted.”

Full-Year 2025 Highlights

Total TEUs: 2,253,976 (-0.4% YoY)
Import TEUs: 1,117,968 (-0.9% YoY)
Export TEUs: 1,136,009 (+0.1% YoY)
Import / Export Mix: 50% / 50%

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.