PORT of Melbourne reported a total container throughput of 254,310 TEU over May, according to the port’s latest available trade statistics.

This was a decline of 6.3% over May last year. The port also said year-to-date container volumes were down 1%.

Full overseas imports were down 13.4% on May 2022 with furniture, domestic appliances, clothing, paperboards and textiles below last year’s volumes.

Full overseas exports were down 17.8% on May 2022, wheat, pulp & wastepaper, wool and scrap metal below last year’s volumes.

Total empty container movements were 6.9% above May 2022.

The port said container trade for June 2023 is currently tracking in line with the same month in 2022.