IT WAS another record year for containers with Port of Brisbane handling 1.62 million TEU, including full import container volumes of 693,000 TEU and full container exports of 395,000 TEU.
Container imports remained strong due to Southeast Queensland’s population growth, with building materials and household goods performing well.
Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens said the financial year results showed how a safe and efficient port “powers the state economy, connects communities and keeps Queensland moving”.
In economics terms, the port handled about $73.5bn in international cargo during the 2025 financial year.
This was based upon a record 1.62 million TEU and a 7.8% increase in total tonnage to 34.9 million tonnes of trade, with sustained population growth and good agricultural conditions across the port’s hinterland.
Mr Stephens said bulk grain, including wheat, sorghum and chickpeas, performed strongly with export tonnages increasing 259% on 2024 financial year to reach almost two million tonnes.
“Almost one million tonnes of chickpeas (bulk and containerised) were exported as growers and traders responded quickly to the temporary lifting of Indian chickpea tariffs in 2024”, he said.
He also noted that refrigerated meat exports rose 12.9% to a record 77,750 TEU, with more than 50% of product exported to North Asian markets.
“The port has also been strengthened by significant new investment from global and local logistics players, with seven property developments delivered (new and expanded facilities) across 26 hectares in FY25 for new and existing customers,” Mr Stephens said.
The results were “a vote of confidence in the efficiency of the Port of Brisbane” with Mr Stephens saying the port would continue to play a vital role in the region’s economic growth.
The port is playing a significant role with renewable projects including the Wambo Stage 2 windfarm.
“Trade through Brisbane is influenced by global and domestic economic conditions, however the Port of Brisbane continues to perform for the Queensland economy, connecting world-class producers with global markets while also bringing in the goods needed to service our growing population,” Mr Stephens said.
Mr Stephens said other key highlights and achievements for PBPL were:
A 2024 report by Deloitte Access Economics found Port of Brisbane and its supply chain contributed $11 billion to the Queensland economy in the 2024 financial year and supported around 73,000 jobs including about 10,380 in the port precinct, potentially growing to $13.4 billion and 82,000 jobs by 2032.
Port of Brisbane is Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port and the third largest container port in Australia.
About $73.5 billion in international trade was handled through the Port in FY25.
It also rates as one of the most diverse ports in the country, handling more than 450 types of commodities, with about 140 countries worldwide.
In addition, PBPL manages the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
Set over a footprint of about1870 hectares, it also includes the approximately 200ha Future Port Expansion area which is being progressively developed to support trade growth.