Port of Oakland closes 2025 with stable cargo volumes

Jan 14, 2026

The Port of Oakland handled 179,580 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) in December 2025, a slight 1.7% decrease from year-over-year totals, as the Port closed out the calendar year with stable overall cargo volumes despite uneven global trade conditions.

Full containerized cargo totaled 140,050 TEUs, down 3.0% compared to December 2024. Loaded imports declined 12.8%, while loaded exports increased 10.9%, with imports softening as export activity strengthened during the month.

Empty container volumes reached 39,530 TEUs, an increase of 3.4% year over year, reflecting continued equipment repositioning at the end of the year. On a month-to-month basis, December volumes rose slightly compared to November, consistent with normal year-end shipping patterns.

“December reflected the kind of uneven performance we’ve seen across the industry, with softer imports and strong export activity,” said Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director. “That difference is more about timing and adjustment than any fundamental change in demand.”

December 2025 at a Glance

Total TEUs: 179,580 (-1.7% YoY)

Full TEUs: 140,050 (-3.0% YoY)

Loaded Imports: -12.8% YoY

Loaded Exports: +10.9% YoY

Empty TEUs: +3.4% YoY

Full-Year 2025 Cargo Results

For the full calendar year 2025, the Port of Oakland handled 2,253,976 TEUs, finishing the year essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to 2024—a notable outcome amid ongoing economic and policy uncertainty.

Total import TEUs declined 0.9%, while export TEUs increased slightly by 0.1%, resulting in a balanced 50/50 import-export split for the year. Full containers accounted for approximately 77% of total volume, consistent with recent years.

“In an environment defined by uncertainty, maintaining stability matters,” Brandes said. “Our focus throughout the year was on keeping cargo moving reliably and predictably, ensuring customers could continue to move goods efficiently as trade conditions shifted.”

Full-Year 2025 Highlights