Exports up at Pilbara Ports despite industrial action

PILBARA Ports has reported a solid August result, moving a combined 65.9 million tonnes across its ports as iron‑ore demand continued to underpin Western Australia’s export performance.

Port Hedland handled 47.4 million tonnes, up around 5% year‑on‑year, with major shippers maintaining strong volumes into North Asia.

China accounted for an estimated 38 million tonnes, reflecting stable steel‑sector demand and favourable shipping conditions through the month.

Dampier recorded 14.8 million tonnes, down roughly 8% on the same period last year.

The authority attributed the softer result to scheduled maintenance and weather‑related variability, although LNG movements through the precinct remained steady.

Across the system, Pilbara Ports has now moved 804.1 million tonnes in the financial year to date, reinforcing its position as Australia’s largest bulk‑export network and a key indicator of global commodity appetite.

A Pilbara Ports spokesperson said the August figures demonstrated “continued resilience across the supply chain”, with port operations maintaining high vessel‑turnaround efficiency despite seasonal conditions and ongoing workforce pressures across the region.

The result comes as industrial action at BHP’s Port Hedland operations entered a second 24‑hour stoppage over the weekend.

While unions described the action as “significant”, BHP said ship‑loading continued safely with multiple vessels departing as scheduled.

The company maintains that contingency planning has minimised disruption to export flows.