29 July 2025 – Grains and pulses emerged as Port of Melbourne’s largest export commodity for the 5th year running, as agricultural exports continue to play a vital role in Victoria’s economy. According to Port of Melbourne’s latest trade data from Financial Year 2025 (FY25), 3.7 million tonnes of grains and pulses were exported through the Port, accounting for nearly one-third of total overseas export volume. Rebounding strongly from the drought-induced lows of FY19, grain exports recorded a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% over the five-year period from FY20 to FY25.
Wheat Continues to Lead
The grains and pulses commodity category comprises wheat, barley, pulses, canola, malt, and cereals & oats. Notably, wheat continues to lead export volumes, with 2.02 million tonnes of wheat leaving the Port in FY25.
Similarly, in containerised cargo, wheat remained Port of Melbourne’s single largest export commodity by volume. In FY25, 39,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of wheat were exported through Port of Melbourne.
Southeast Asia: A Growing Grain Trade Partner
A significant trend observed over the last five years is Southeast Asia’s emergence as a key importer of Australian grain and pulses. In FY25, 1.4 million tonnes, comprising 40% of the Port’s grain exports, were destined for Southeast Asia – the highest tonnage ever recorded.
Southeast Asian nations account for four of the Port’s top five grain and pulses export markets in FY25, with Indonesia (9% of total grain exports), Vietnam (9%), the Philippines (7%), and Thailand (7%) absorbing substantial volumes of the Port’s grain exports. Wheat, in particular, was the top commodity exported to Southeast Asia.
Similarly, South Asia – especially India and Bangladesh – has grown in significance in recent years, importing notable quantities of lentils and canola.
Overall, China continues to dominate as the single largest importer of our grains, representing 11% of total grain and pulses exported through Port of Melbourne.
Port of Melbourne Head of Trade and Supply Chain, Mark Bergamasco, said:
“Grains and pulses continue to be our leading export commodity, at 33 per cent of total exports through the Port. We are proud to play a role in supporting the export of Southeast Australia’s key agricultural products and look forward to continuing our work with grain growers, exporters, and supply chain partners. Their commitment to delivering high-quality grains to global markets makes a significant contribution to the prosperity of our state and national economy.”
Port of Melbourne is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC 2025) in Melbourne on 30 and 31 July 2025.
For more information contact:
Nicole Ng
Mobile: 0427 700 844
Email: nicole.ng@portofmelbourne.com