THE Port of Oakland saw surging container imports continue in November, the 13th straight month of increased loads for the Northern California gateway, according to New York's FreightWaves.

Full imports increased 13.1 per cent in November from the same month in 2023. The port handled 80,580 TEU, compared to 71,258 TEU a year ago.

"We are optimistic that strong container volume will continue through the end of the year," said Carolyn Almquist, the port's manager of business development and international marketing.

"We expect to be on track to return to our pre-pandemic baseline cargo numbers. Our total inbound and outbound volume is up, and agricultural exports are boosting our outbound cargo business."

Total container volume in 2019 was 2,500,461 TEU, according to port data.

In November, loaded exports rose 8.5 per cent to 66,619 TEU, from 61,390 TEU in November 2023.

Total cargo volume was up 10 per cent year to date compared to the same period in 2023.

Empty imports dropped 14.8 per cent to 12,028 TEU in November 2024, compared to 14,118 TEU year on year.

Empty exports increased 14.7 per cent to 22,495 TEU from 19,613 TEU year on year.