TRADE through the Port of Mackay grew in 2025–26, with breakbulk volumes increasing by more than 187% as demand for heavy machinery and equipment rose.
The latest annual trade results from North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) show breakbulk trade climbed from 28,514 tonnes in 2024–25 to 82,007 tonnes. Accommodation units, mining machinery and trays contributed to the result.
Overall trade at the Port of Mackay rose to 3.5 million tonnes, up from 3.4 million tonnes in the previous financial year despite adverse weather events during the year.
NQBP chief executive Brendan Webb said the figures highlighted the port’s resilience and its role in supporting the region’s mining and agricultural industries.
“From the mine site to the farm gate, the Port of Mackay is doing double duty for the industries that built our region,” Mr Webb said.
“Petroleum remained our largest commodity, with imports increasing from 1.88 million tonnes to 1.9 million tonnes, ensuring a reliable fuel supply for regional businesses and communities.
Agricultural trade was strong in 2025-26, with grain increasing almost 22.4% over 2024-25's figures. Image: NQBP
“Agricultural trade was also strong, with grain increasing to 299,732 tonnes from 244,917 tonnes, fertiliser imports rising to 70,098 tonnes from 58,086 tonnes, and sugar holding steady at 977,888 tonnes.
“These results reflect the critical role our ports play in supporting Queensland’s mining, agriculture and regional economies.”
The Port of Mackay is Queensland’s primary exporter of refined sugar and a leading regional exporter of raw sugar and grain.
It is also the largest regional importer of fuel in Queensland, with six fuel terminals servicing the mining, agriculture, aviation and transport sectors.
The port has an international trade value of $2.7 billion a year, contributes $1.1 billion to Gross State Product and supports more than 2,000 jobs.
“The Port of Mackay is a true multi-commodity port facilitating the import and export of more than 15 commodities across more than 200 vessel visits each year,” Mr Webb said.
“We’re continuing to invest in strategic infrastructure, including the new Port of Mackay container depot, which will strengthen regional supply chains, improve turnaround times and create new trade opportunities for importers and exporters.”
Across all four NQBP ports, total trade reached 149.7 million tonnes in 2025–26, a slight increase on the previous financial year’s 149.62 million tonnes.