Stronger container volumes in September
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Strong volumes have been seen in September as peak season continues.
September 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) up 8.2% over September 2021 with a total of 287,350 TEU. Year to date container volumes are up 7.3%.
Full overseas imports were up 10.8% on September 2021 with strong trade flowing into peak season, with domestic appliances, non-electrical machinery, textiles, metal manufactures, toys, sporting goods and transport equipment all above last year’s volumes. Full overseas exports were up 8.7% on September 2021, with wheat, cottonseed, raw cotton, nuts (almonds), malt and rice all above last year’s levels.
Total empty container movements were 4.3% above September 2021.
September 2022 trade performance compared with September 2021 was as follows:
| Full overseas container imports (excl. transshipments) | 10.8% above September 2021 | 9.4% above FYTD22 |
| Full overseas container exports (excl. transshipments) | 8.7% above September 2021 | 4.2% above FYTD22 |
| Total empty containers moved | 4.3% above September 2021 | 9.9% above FYTD22 |
| Bass Strait full container trade (excl. transshipments) | 4.8% below September 2021 | 2.0% below FYTD22 |
| Full container transshipments | 30.7% above September 2021 | 8.2% above FYTD22 |
| Dry bulk trade | 22.3% below September 2021 | 3.6% below FYTD22 |
| Break bulk trade | 28.7% above September 2021 | 25.5% above FYTD22 |
| Liquid bulk trade | 13.2% above September 2021 | 12.1% above FYTD22 |
| Motor vehicle imports | 71.5% above September 2021 |
Trade outlook
Container trade for early October 2022 is tracking above the comparative month in 2021.
Supply chain
Globally, congestion and some delays remain, however schedule reliability continues to improve. Container freight rates continued to decline throughout September, although still remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
Trade volumes to Australia remain strong as peak season continues, with some vessel congestion still being seen at several ports impacted by severe weather events. Locally the supply chain remains resilient and we continue to monitor the situation throughout the peak season.
Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.