“This is high-value cargo that has to be handled carefully and shipped promptly,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Growth in our volume would indicate that we’re doing the job effectively.” Exports accounted for 103,000 containers of Oakland’s 2017 fresh fruit and vegetable cargo volume. That was a 44 percent increase from four years ago. Fruit and vegetable imports jumped 16 percent.
According to ajot.com, the Port said oranges and grapes were among top exports. Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong were leading export markets. The data is watched closely because Oakland is considered one of the country’s most important agricultural gateways. The reasons:
• Oakland is adjacent to major growing regions in the Central, Napa and Salinas valleys.
• Producers export through Oakland because it’s the last U.S. destination before outbound vessels head to Asia. That means their cargo isn’t delayed at intermediate stops.
