February 2023 container volumes decrease on the prior year
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Total container throughput (full & empty) for February 2023 were down 18.4% over February 2022 with a total of 219,606 TEU. Year to date container volumes are consistent with prior year.
Full overseas imports were down 28.9% on February 2022 with miscellaneous manufactures, furniture, metal manufactures, domestic appliances, textiles, and paperboard, all below last year’s levels.
Full overseas exports were down 4.4% on February 2022, with hay & fodder, pulp & wastepaper, and dried milk all below last year’s levels.
Total empty container movements were 21.1% below February 2022.
February 2023 trade performance compared with February 2022 was as follows:
| Full overseas container imports (excl. transshipments) | -28.9% below February 2022 | -3.2% below FYTD22 |
| Full overseas container exports (excl. transshipments) | -4.4% below February 2022 | -2.3% below FYTD22 |
| Total empty containers moved | -21.1% below February 2022 | +6.2% above FYTD22 |
| Bass Strait full container trade (excl. transshipments) | -5.0% below February 2022 | -2.3% below FYTD22 |
| Full container transshipments | 39.2% above February 2022 | 15.3% above FYTD22 |
| Dry bulk trade | -8.3% below February 2022 | -3.3% below FYTD22 |
| Break bulk trade | -36.8% below February 2022 | -0.5% below FYTD22 |
| Liquid bulk trade | -16.2% below February 2022 | +4.4% above FYTD22 |
| Motor vehicle imports | -1.3% below February 2022 (+1,269 units) |
Trade outlook
Container trade for March 2023 is tracking below the comparative month in 2022.