PORT of Melbourne saw a downturn in container throughput in October, compared with the same month last year, according to the latest updated from the port.

Total throughput for October 2021 totalled 255,332 TEU, a decrease of 10.8% on October 2020.

Total container imports through the port decreased 10.1% on October 2020. Imports of furniture, domestic appliances, textiles and miscellaneous manufactures were all down on October 2020 volumes.

And total container exports were also down – falling 11.5% on October 2020.  Exports of timber, non-ferrous metals, pulp and wastepaper and meat were all down on October 2020 volumes.

Total empty container movements at the port were 61,470 TEU last month, an increase of 3.5% on October 2020.

Motor vehicle imports were up 12.8% (up 3201 units) on October 2020.

The port said container trade for early November is tracking similar to the comparative month in 2020 with vessel congestion and delays resulting in some port omissions for Melbourne.