The Port of Oakland on Thursday reported the busiest August in its 91-year history, a record start to its peak season with imports up 9.2 percent from a year ago.
The Port, the third largest in California and among the nation’s top 10, attributed the gains to strong U.S. consumer spending.
“We’re encouraged by the solid start to peak season, but there’s still uncertainty in the trade environment,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Let’s see what the next few months bring.”
The Port handled an August record equivalent of 85,166 loaded 20-foot import containers last month, signaling a strong start to the shipping season that builds through October when U.S. retailers stock their shelves for holiday merchandising.
