Port of Oakland Upholds Status as Ag Export Powerhouse; Bryan Brandes Comments


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Thu. November 21st, 2024 - by Peggy Packer

OAKLAND, CA - The Port of Oakland continues to be one of the most important gateways for United States agricultural products. The Port exported 235,899 TEUs (twenty-foot containers) of agricultural commodities as of October 2024, totaling nearly $8.5 billion. Oakland ranks number one by TEU volume in international refrigerated (reefer) export trade among United States ports.

Bryan Brandes, Maritime Director, Port of Oakland
Bryan Brandes, Maritime Director, Port of Oakland

“The Port of Oakland is a major international gateway for California’s and the nation’s farmers,” said Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director. “Agricultural exports are especially important commodities for our Port’s business. In any given year, agricultural products comprise between 37 percent and 45 percent of total exports from Oakland.”

Oakland has ranked first among all U.S. ports in international reefer export TEUs for seven consecutive years, a press release noted. The total commercial value of reefer exports through Oakland reached $7 billion in 2023. The Port and its partners have made substantial investments in facilities for ag and refrigerated products in the last seven years. These investments, including Cool Port and PCC Logistics warehouses, have paved the way for greatly expanding the transportation of agricultural, refrigerated, and frozen products through the Port.

The Port of Oakland exported 235,899 TEUs (twenty-foot containers) of agricultural commodities as of October 2024, totaling nearly $8.5 billion

The Oakland Seaport’s proximity to the California Central Valley, its ocean carrier services that depart directly for Asia, and its on-site cold storage infrastructure support Oakland’s position as an export powerhouse for the United States. Ninety percent of the region’s agricultural products pass through the Port’s marine terminals heading to markets overseas.

To read about the top Oakland Seaport export categories, click here.

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