Victoria’s Trade Hits a New Record
Port of Melbourne has recorded another record year for container trade, with 3.52 million TEU handled in FY2026, its second consecutive annual record.
But the numbers tell a bigger story than simply growing volumes.
Image credit PoM
While consumer goods remained a major driver of imports, there was stronger growth in industrial and construction-related cargo, including cement and gypsum. It’s a sign that businesses are continuing to invest despite ongoing global uncertainty.
The automotive sector is also changing. China overtook Japan as the largest source of imported vehicles through Melbourne, with China’s share increasing from just 1% in FY2020 to 28% in FY2026.
Exports remained diverse, with agricultural products continuing to play an important role and strong growth in beef, paper and paperboard, and scrap metal.
For those of us working in logistics, these shifts are worth watching. Trade volumes can provide a real-time snapshot of what is happening across the economy, and the latest figures from Melbourne point to an economy that is adapting to changing global supply chains.
Record volumes, changing trade patterns and continued investment , there is plenty happening behind the containers.