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Posted by Dale Crisp
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17 Sep, 2026
PORT OF MELBOURNE has reported a second consecutive year of record container throughput, handling 3.52 million TEU in financial year 2025-26 to retain its Australian port container crown status.
Releasing the latest Trade in Review this morning [17 September] PoM CEO Saul Cannon said the figure highlighted the resilience of trade across south-east Australia although trade patterns point to an evolving, rather than slowing, economy.
“Global conditions remain uncertain, but south-east Australia’s trade performance demonstrates the importance of resilience and adaptability,” Mr Cannon said.
“What stands out is not just the volume of trade moving through the port, but the changing shape of that trade.
“Alongside resilient consumer demand, we saw growing volumes of industrial and construction related imports, indicating businesses are continuing to invest in Victoria's future.”
The report highlights a shift in trade patterns during FY2026: while consumer goods remained a major driver of imports, growth increasingly came from industrial and construction-related materials, with commodities such as cement and gypsum among the strongest performers during the year.
Victoria's export performance also remained strong and diversified, the TiR says.
Agricultural goods continued to underpin exports. Strong growth was recorded in beef, paper and paperboard, and scrap metal exports, helping offset softer conditions in commodities such as cotton and wheat.
Another notable trend was the continued evolution of automotive trade: During FY2026 China overtook Japan to become the largest source of imported motor vehicles through the port for the first time, reflecting broader shifts in global manufacturing and vehicle supply chains, PoM said.
During the last six years, China's share of vehicle imports increased significantly, from 1% in FY2020 to 28% in FY2026.
The report also found Victoria's trade remained resilient amid major global disruptions, including changes to United States tariff policies and supply chain impacts stemming from instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
Export demand remained broadly diversified, while fuel supply chains adjusted successfully to changing sourcing patterns during the year.
Mr Cannon said trade continues to provide a valuable real-time indicator of economic activity.
“As Australia's largest container port, we have a unique view of the goods moving through the economy. The trends we're seeing suggest Victoria continues to navigate global challenges from a position of relative strength. Population growth, business investment and diversified export markets continue to underpin demand and support economic resilience,” Mr Cannon said.
“Behind every container, vehicle and tonne of cargo is a network of businesses, growers, manufacturers and supply chain operators helping keep Victoria moving. This report reflects their contribution to the state's ongoing prosperity.”
Port of Melbourne’s FY26 Trade in Review report is available here.
