PORT of Melbourne has reported strong container volumes in July, ahead of the traditional peak season.
Total container throughput reached 285,561 TEU last month, up 3.7% on figures recorded in July last year.
“Full overseas imports were up 3.9% on July 2021 with strong trade flowing through post Shanghai lockdowns, whilst full container exports were down 5.7% on July 2021,” Port of Melbourne said in a trade update.
It noted miscellaneous manufactures, timber, barley, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh fruit were below last year’s levels.
Full overseas container imports increased by 5% since July last year, however full overseas container exports fell by 5% in that same timeframe.
Total empty container movements in July had increased by 16% since the same month last year.
The most notable trade volume increase was break bulk, which was up 48% last month on figures reported 12 months earlier.
“The global supply chain continues to be challenged, and despite some evidence of consumer spending slowing due to inflationary pressures, there remains ongoing congestion at major hubs and inland networks,” it said in its update.
“Overflow of volume has been seen to neighbouring ports due to industrial action across parts of the US, UK and Germany, in addition to weather issues, ongoing issues related to the Ukraine conflict, and the fact that ports are continuing to work through large volumes of backlog cargo.”
Port of Melbourne said trade volumes to Australia remain strong, however there is still congestion in the Oceania region due to severe weather and vessel bunching.
“Locally the supply chain remains resilient and we continue to monitor the situation ahead of peak season.”
Container trade for early August is reportedly tracking above the comparative month in 2021.
