PLAUGED by changing American tariff policies, the Port of Oakland has reported that April container volume had dropped 14.7 per cent from the previous month but said that its overall container volume was still up 4.3 per cent in the first four months of 2025 compared to that same period last year.

By the numbers, the port handled 185,499 TEU in April, marking a slowdown that was driven by market uncertainty and softening demand in exports - both influenced by recent shifts in US trade policy, port leaders said.

Total volume for the first four months of 2025 reached 787,028 TEU handled, according to Massachusetts' DC Velocity.

"Container volume remained stable during the first four months of 2025; however, uncertainty and high tariff impacted our China volume. We anticipate a similar volume in May with a strong recovery in June," Port of Oakland maritime director Bryan Brandes said in a release.

"The Port remains focused on service reliability, and close coordination with our partners and customers, as market dynamics continue to evolve."

Full imports totalled 78,965 TEU in April, which was up 4.8 per cent compared to April 2024 but down 10.2 per cent from March.

Full exports dipped 4.2 per cent year over year, with the port processing 64,723 TEU in April 2025, compared to 67,566 TEU in April 2024. The number marked a 15 per cent decrease from the previous month.

https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250500000649