PORT executives Saul Cannon (Port of Melbourne) and Matt Marais (Avalon) have had their say on international trade and leveraging new growth opportunities.
Addressing the VTA 2026 State Conference, Mr Cannon said so much of their international trade was tied up with China and its economic fortunes.
“We have such an important two-way trade relationship with China. Last year, just above 50% of our containerised imports came from China,” Mr Cannon said.
“The next two largest nations that we imported from, the US and Thailand, were down around 5% each. The magnitude of our trading relationship with China is very significant.”
He noted China was also the key market for bulk ports in the Hunter and the Pilbara.
“China as a trading partner is critical…. Potential economic implications of tariffs and trade wars and that if China slows, it is likely that our economy will slow,” he said.
“But if China keeps going [well], that will underpin economic activity here.”
Mr Cannon commented on fuel, agreeing with earlier speakers that supply was not an issue, but the inflationary impacts could be real enough.
Executive general manager for aviation at Avalon Airport,
Matt Marais. Image: David Sexton / DCN
Meanwhile, executive general manager for aviation at Avalon Airport, Matt Marais, spoke of freight and logistics growth via e-commerce.
“One of the fastest growing drivers of air freight in Australia is e-commerce and express delivery,” Mr Marais said.
“Reflecting this, the Australian air freight market was valued at approximately US$1.8bn and is forecast to double by 2033 driven largely by e-commerce and express freight.”
He also noted growth in high-value, time-sensitive exports such as dairy, fresh produce, meat, seafood, “all destined for Asian or Middle Eastern markets”.
“In this context, Avalon emerges as a freight and logistics gateway.”