Imports extended their growth streak to five straight months at the Port of Oakland in July. The port said last week that containerized import volume jumped 8.7 percent last month from a year ago.

Exports were up too, although marginally. The port said July export volume increased 0.94 percent over last year. It was the first monthly improvement in Oakland exports this year.

The numbers reflect continued recovery after a slow start to the year. Volumes at all major West Coast ports dropped in January and February. Oakland imports have been on the rise ever since.

The port said a shortage of longshore labor slowed vessel operations in July. Some ships waited 36 hours to berth. Since then, additional dockworkers have joined the labor pool and the backlog of vessels has significantly decreased in the past two weeks.

“We’re working hard to regain momentum,” said John Driscoll, the port’s maritime director. “Overall July volume in Oakland, including loaded and empty containers, was up one percent. The port moved nine percent fewer empty boxes than it did a year ago. “

The Port of Oakland’s global trade in first half of 2015 amounted to $21.29 billion.