Fremantle Ports Records Solid March Trade Volumes Across Containers, Rail and Vehicle Imports
Fremantle Ports has released its March 2026 Inner Harbour trade figures, showing solid performance across container volumes, exports, rail movements and vehicle imports, highlighting the ongoing resilience of Western Australia’s supply chain sector.
Total container trade for March reached 79,128 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), representing a 14% increase year on year and a 5% rise compared to February. The results reflect steady demand across both import and export markets despite continued global shipping uncertainty.
Export Volumes Continue to Drive Growth
One of the standout figures from the March report was the strength in export activity.
Full container exports climbed to 28,179 TEU, up 10% year on year and 28% month on month. Export containers now account for 54.6% of total container trade through Fremantle’s Inner Harbour.
Empty container exports also recorded significant growth, increasing 45% compared to March last year. This suggests continued repositioning of equipment and ongoing demand for Australian export commodities across international markets.
While imports softened slightly month-on-month, import volumes remain ahead of 2025 levels overall.
Rail Continues to Play Key Role in Freight Movement
Rail continues to play an important role in moving containers efficiently through Fremantle Ports.
During March, more than 21,400 TEU moved via rail, representing a rail share of 27.1%. Rail exports totalled 12,053 TEU, while rail imports reached 9,420 TEU.
The figures reinforce the importance of intermodal transport solutions in supporting supply chain efficiency, reducing road congestion and improving freight sustainability across Western Australia.
Container Ship Activity Remains Consistent
Fremantle Ports recorded 26 container ship visits during March, with an average TEU exchange per vessel of 3,043 TEU.
Although vessel arrivals fluctuate month-to-month, the consistency in average exchange volumes indicates stable operational demand at the port.
Vehicle Imports and Breakbulk Cargo Continue to Perform
The March report also highlighted continued activity in vehicle imports and breakbulk cargo.
A total of 10,572 new vehicles and 2,890 used vehicles were imported during the month, while RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel calls increased to 18 ships.
Meanwhile, breakbulk and general cargo volumes reached 111,589 tonnes, marking a significant increase from February.
The latest Fremantle Ports data shows the trends currently shaping the Australian freight and logistics industry:
Strong export demand continues to support container trade growth
Rail remains an increasingly important part of port logistics strategies
Vehicle imports continue to contribute to cargo volumes
The figures suggest trade activity through Fremantle remains resilient despite ongoing global shipping challenges
As global shipping markets continue to face geopolitical tensions, fluctuating freight rates and schedule disruptions, the March figures provide another indicator that Western Australia’s trade activity remains steady heading further into 2026.