PORT of Melbourne saw a modest increase in container throughput last month, according to the latest trade statistics from the port.

Total container throughput in February came to 269,126 TEU, an increase of 1.3% over the same month last year. However, year-to-date container volumes are down 0.6%.

Total container imports last month showed an increase of 2.4% on February last year. According to the port, containerised imports of toys and sporting goods, clothing and domestic appliances were all up on February 2021 volumes.

Total containerised exports were roughly the same last month as they were in February 2021, increasing 0.1%.

Full overseas container imports last month increased 4.2% on February 2021, and full overseas container imports decreased 18.9% in the same period. And, fully container transhipments decreased 18.5% in the same period.

Full container trade between Melbourne and Tasmania increased 4.9% to a total of 17,957 TEU – this excludes transhipments.

Total empty container movements were 14.0% above February 2021 totalling 74,714 TEU.