Port of Oakland beef exports increased 25 percent this year between January and July.
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The Port called the surge extraordinary in a year when shipping disruptions have hobbled global supply chains.
“Demand for high qualify U.S. meat products is off the charts,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We’re in the best position to help American exporters meet that demand.”
According to data released today, Oakland exported the equivalent of 25,200 20-foot containers of beef through July. The number for the same period last year was 20,100. Oakland estimated the total value of beef exports at $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2021.
Asian markets have received nearly all of the beef exported from Oakland this year as measured by container volume, the Port said.
The Port said soaring demand for U.S. beef in China is driving the export boom. American-produced beef accounts for 5 percent of all containerized exports to China. COVID-related restrictions on restaurant dining have sparked a jump in Asian retail beef sales, the Port explained.
The percentage breakdown by country:
Japan, 55 percent
China, (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), 24 percent
South Korea, 19 percent.
The Port said surging beef exports validate its investments in the international cold chain. Oakland has significantly expanded chilled and frozen cargo handling capacity in the past five years. California and Midwest producers ship tons of beef to Oakland in rail cars. Product transfers at the temperature-controlled storage facilities in the heart of the Oakland Seaport to containers, then moves down the street to waiting ships.
Oakland is a principal U.S. gateway for beef exports to Asia. That’s because most ships make Oakland their final North American stop before returning to Asia. Beef spends less time on board a ship if it’s loaded in Oakland rather than at other American ports. ■
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