The Port of Oakland recorded encouraging throughput figures in October 2025, handling a total of 182,879 TEUs, an increase of 2.2 per cent from the previous month.
The latest data mirror ongoing adaptations in the global supply chain and demonstrate stable demand for full containerised cargoes as the peak shipping season continues.
A critical driver behind year-on-year comparisons was the marked reduction in empty container movements, a trend that port officials attribute to shifts in global equipment management rather than any broader decline in trade.
Full imports in October reached 82,195 TEUs, up 0.9 per cent on the year prior and up 8.6 per cent month-on-month. Full exports were slightly down year-on-year at 66,195 TEUs, representing a marginal 0.7 per cent fall, but dropped 20 per cent compared to September, reflecting the dynamic nature of export demand.
The port managed 34,489 empty containers in October, a significant drop of 24.1 per cent from October 2024, but saw a 4.9 per cent rise compared to September, reinforcing the impact of revised carrier and shipper strategies around repositioning and box storage.
In total, 86 vessel calls were logged during the month — a 6.5 per cent decrease versus last year — indicative of ongoing adjustments by ocean carriers to global service patterns and port rotations.
“Full imports and exports are holding their ground despite the headwinds,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes.
“The modest month-over-month increase shows cargo flow through Oakland remains steady heading into the holiday season. While we’re seeing fewer empty containers move through the system, that’s just part of the broader market adjustment.”
The port reaffirmed its focus on operational reliability, highlighting its investments in infrastructure and close cooperation with terminal operators and clients to maintain efficient cargo movements across the West Coast.
