Why Trump's tariffs barely dented trade at the Port of Oakland

"There are two reasons, industry experts say, that the total number of shipped goods remained basically flat in 2025, according to the Port of Oakland's annual trade report released Monday. First, the port proved surprisingly adaptable, maximizing efficiency and maintaining its relationships with shipping companies. And second, tariffs were far less punishing on trade than originally announced by the White House."

"When blanket tariffs on many of the West Coast's largest trading partners went into effect on Liberation Day on April 2, 2025, economists worried the policy could ignite a recession and spur new inflation, and longshoremen feared the tariffs would cause more empty containers and fewer shifts available for dock workers. Though tariffs caused a temporary drop in the stock market, the Port of Oakland recorded just a 0.4% year-over-year decline in total trade volume."

"It's been challenging, but on the plus side, it has really encouraged communication between all the partners to work through a very volatile environment, said Carolyn Almquist, the maritime marketing manager at the Port of Oakland. Trade is more resilient than we give it credit for. Stanford economist Richard Noll said that historically tariffs have been used within a limited scope to protect emerging industries, such as artificial intelligence."

President Donald Trump's pledge of sweeping tariffs raised fears of economic upheaval, but the Port of Oakland's total shipped goods remained essentially flat in 2025. Stability resulted from two factors: the port's adaptability in maximizing efficiency and preserving carrier relationships, and tariffs that proved less punitive than originally announced. When blanket tariffs took effect on April 2, 2025, economists warned of recession and inflation and longshoremen feared reduced shifts and empty containers. Tariffs prompted a temporary stock-market drop, yet the port saw only a 0.4% year-over-year decline. Port managers reported increased partner communication and economists noted tariffs being used as a negotiating tool.

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