Port of Oakland meat shipments up 27 percent in four years

Oakland, Calif. - May 8, 2018: Containerized meat shipments moving through the Port of Oakland have increased 27 percent in the past four years.  The Port said today that even greater growth is likely this fall when a new refrigerated distribution center opens.

According to just-released Port data:

• Oakland exported the equivalent of 60,000 20-foot containers laden with fresh and frozen meat products – primarily beef, pork and poultry - during 2017.  That was up 24 percent from 2013 totals.
• Oakland imported about 6,000 containers of meat last year, a 64 percent increase.

The Port valued Oakland’s 2017 containerized meat shipments at more than $8 billion.  It said two-thirds of all meat exports went to Japan.  South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan were other major export markets.  Imported meat shipments came primarily from Australia and New Zealand.

The Port said greater containerized meat volume reflects overall strength in the market for farm goods.  Agricultural shipments moving through Oakland increased nearly 43 percent between 2013 and 2017, the Port said.  Fruit and vegetable volume jumped 36 percent.

“We’re benefiting from a number of positive influences,” explained Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “Asian demand for U.S. agriculture is soaring, American growers continue to improve productivity and the Port of Oakland is in the sweet spot: on the edge of the Pacific Rim and adjacent to California farm country.”

The Port said it expects meat shipments to grow further beginning in September.  That’s when a 283,000-square-foot refrigerated distribution center known as Cool Port Oakland is scheduled to open. It’s estimated that the facility could handle up to 50,000 containers of beef, pork and poultry annually.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port's 5-year strategic plan - Growth with Care - pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts
Mike Zampa
Communications Director

Tel. 510-627-1565

[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur

Port Spokesperson

Tel. 510-627-1193

[email protected]

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