Economist lauds role U.S. ports play in outbound cargo

Dr. Walter Kemmsies, Chief Strategist for commercial real estate firm Jones Lang Lasalle told shippers convened at last week's “Women in Logistics” luncheon that “an export resurgence” can stimulate the U.S. economy.

The event, staged at the Port of Oakland's Jack London Square, championed the port's role in supporting outbound cargo. 

 “People who support exports give us hope,” he said, echoing sentiments recently made at the Cargo Connections conference last month. 

Kemmsies added that export growth can help the U.S. manage its debt burden.  First, however, it must make infrastructure investments to become more efficient at serving overseas markets, he said.  Dr. Kemmsies said the U.S. has underperformed as an exporter for the last 30 years.

The economist chose an appropriate setting for his remarks, said port spokesmen. 

“The Port of Oakland is considered one of the nation’s leading export gateways,” said communication director Mike Zampa. “Containerized export volume shipped through Oakland increased more than 10 percent in 2016.  So far in 2017, exports have accounted for 52 percent of its total cargo volume”

He added that this is “rare” in the U.S. where most ports are heavily skewed towards imports. 

“The heroes are those who have an import-export balance,” said Dr. Kemmsies.  “And Oakland is an important part of that.”

Kemmsies said consumer growth globally is accelerating fastest outside the U.S.  That’s the result of explosive middle class expansion in developing countries – primarily in Asia.  American producers need to tap overseas markets, the economist said, to remain competitive. 

The economist said the U.S. should concentrate on high-value exports including agricultural commodities – an Oakland mainstay.  “A less U.S.-centric world requires more U.S. exports,” he concluded.