The import business of the Port of Oakland continued to increase on the eve of the tariff increase

On the eve of rising tariffs, the Port of Oakland said that its import business was still growing. The Port of Auckland reported that container imports increased by 7% last month compared to April 2018. This is the busiest April in the port’s 92-year history.

The Port of Auckland said that in the first four months of 2019, total imports increased in three months. The company added that last month's exports increased by 1.7%.

Auckland's trade data predates the US warning of additional tariffs on Chinese goods. The United States warned that tariffs imposed on Chinese goods will take effect on the 10th. The Trump administration has threatened to increase the tariffs of US$200 billion of Chinese imports from 10% to 25%. China is the largest trading partner of the Port of Auckland. The increase in tariffs may curb import demand and also trigger retaliatory taxation on US exports.

The Port of Auckland said Auckland's imports increased by 5.8% in the first four months of 2019. The company attributed the rise mainly to continued strong consumer demand in the United States. Auckland’s total freight volume — imports, exports and empty containers — has grown 4.6% so far this year.

The port said the number of ships calling at Auckland dropped by 8.1% in 2019. The port explained that in order to reduce costs, shipping companies are integrating more cargo with fewer but larger vessels.