PORT of Melbourne reported a decline in total container throughput in March – driven by declines in both import and export containers, and a big decline in empty container movements
According to the latest trade statistic from the Port of Melbourne, it saw a decline of 6.9% in total container throughput in March, compared with the same month last year. March 2022 saw a total of 270,564 TEU (both full and empty) cross the wharves.
The port said total container exports decreased 7.5% on March 2021, with less fresh fruit, scrap metal and wheat being exported through the port.
And container imports decreased 6.3% in the period, driven by decreases in imports of miscellaneous manufactures, furniture and metal manufactures.
However, full container transhipments showed an increase over March 2021 – they were up 42.4%.
Total empty container movements were down 18% on March 2021 to 63,665 TEU over this past March.
Motor vehicle imports increased 12.0% (an increase of 3667 units) on March 2021 and dry bulk trade was up 2.1% over March 2021.
