The economic collapse reduced imports into the Port of Oakland by 18 percent from April 2008 to April 2009, figures show. Exports fell by 4 percent during the same period. But worldwide trade is picking up again, meaning there are more boats streaming through the Bay every day, Port of Oakland figures show. Imports rose 14 percent from April 2009 to April 2010, while exports increased 0.5 percent.
“We’re anticipating anywhere between 5 and 10 percent growth in loaded-container volume in 2010,” Port of Oakland spokesman Roberto Bernardo said. “This is very important because it translates into more local jobs and economic stimulus.”