In November 2024, total container throughput at the port of Melbourne reached 293,000 TEUs, marking a significant increase of 50,200 TEUs or 20.7% compared to the same month last year.
From January to November 2024, container trade grew by 97,400 TEUs at the Australian port, reflecting a 7.3% growth compared to the same period in the previous year.
Full container imports, excluding Bass Strait, experienced strong growth in November with an increase of 24,200 TEUs or 24.9% compared to November 2023. These imports rose by 43,400 TEUs for the first 11 months of the year, representing an 8% increase. This growth was driven by higher volumes of goods such as furniture, domestic appliances, and paperboard, according to the port.
Additionally, full container exports, excluding Bass Strait, also performed well in November, increasing by 6,100 TEUs or 13% compared to the previous year. Exports in the first 11 months of 2024 rose by 33,800 TEUs compared to the same period in 2023. Port of Melbourne said key contributors to this growth included cotton, timber, hay, chaff & fodder, and wheat.
The Bass Strait trade showed mixed results, with a slight decline of 800 TEUs, or 4.3%, in November compared to the previous year. However, data for the January-November period showed a modest increase of 400 TEUs, or 0.5%, indicating steady performance overall.
Full transhipments recorded significant growth, rising by 4,800 TEUs or 30.4% in November, while empty container trade saw a strong rise with an increase of 16,000 TEUs or 24.9% compared to the prior year.
Overall, November saw robust growth across most container trade categories, with strong performances in full imports and exports, transshipments, and empty container trade, supported by higher volumes of key goods.
