PORT of Melbourne container throughput was one of the largest of the past 12 months, trailing only October and November 2019.

According to the latest available trade statistics from the port, total container throughput was 257,186 TEU in June 2020. This was a 14% increase on the May’s throughput (224,672 TEU), and up 6% on the same month last year (the port handled 241,985 TEU in June 2019).

Taking a closer look at container trade last month, Melbourne’s full overseas imports came to 113,187 TEU, and full overseas exports were 65,279 TEU.

Total trade in empty containers in June was reported to be 54,793 TEU.

Trade with the Apple Isle totalled 17,529 TEU of full containers, 7568 TEU of which were imports across Bass Strait, and 9961 TEU were exports.

Mainland coastal trade totalled 6398 TEU of full containers; 1150 TEU were imports and 5248 TEU were exports.

Port of Melbourne reported the top containerised commodity to cross the wharves was miscellaneous manufactures. This was followed by electrical equipment, furniture and timber.

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Over the month, the port handled 15,390 motor vehicles (262,987 revenue tonnes). This was an increase of 1045 units on June but down a staggering 19,135 units on June 2019.

The trade volumes for the remainder of the port’s non containerised trade were break bulk – 66,288 (revenue tonnes); liquid bulk – 576,686 (revenue tonnes); dry bulk – 373,150 (revenue tonnes); and other –          232,895 (revenue tonnes).