Port of Oakland imports jumped 8.7 percent in July

Fifth-straight month of growth; exports gain for first time in 2015

Oakland, CA - August 14, 2015: Imports extended their growth streak to five straight months at the Port of Oakland in July. The Port said today that containerized import volume jumped 8.7 percent last month from a year ago.

Exports were up too, albeit marginally. The Port said July export volume increased 0.94 percent over last year. It was the first monthly improvement in Oakland exports this year.

The numbers reflect continued recovery after a slow start to the year. Volumes at all major West Coast ports dropped in January and February. Oakland imports have been on the rise ever since.

The Port said a shortage of longshore labor slowed vessel operations in July. Some ships waited 36 hours to berth. Since then, additional dockworkers have joined the labor pool, the Port said. It added that a backlog of vessels has significantly decreased in the past two weeks.

"We're working hard to regain momentum," said Maritime Director John Driscoll.

Overall July volume in Oakland - including loaded and empty containers - was up 1 percent. The Port moved 9 percent fewer empty boxes than it did a year ago.