Container volumes in June up on the prior month
With COVID restrictions lifting in Shanghai in early June, goods started to flow, which resulted in a slight volume uplift in June compared with May, although total volumes remain slightly down on the prior year.
June 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) decline 1.3% over June 2021 with a total of 272,349 TEU. Year to date container volumes are down 1.9%, recognising that FY21 trade figures were abnormally high.
Full overseas imports decreased 2.0% on June 2021 as Shanghai trade reopened, whilst full container exports were down 6.1% on June 2021, with the ongoing timber log export bans to China continuing to impact results.
Total empty container movements were 5.6% above June 2021.
June 2022 trade performance compared with June 2021 was as follows:
| Statistic | 2021 performance | 2022 performance |
| Full overseas container imports | 2.0% below June 2021 | FY22 2.1% below FY21 |
| Full overseas container exports | 6.1% below June 2021 | FY22 6.3% below FY21 |
| Total empty containers moved | 5.6% above June 2021 | FY22 2.0% above FY21 |
| Bass Strait full container trade (excl. transshipments) | Steady with June 2021 | FY22 0.3% below FY21 |
| Full container transshipments | 11.9% below June 2021 | FY22 9.1% below FY21 |
| Dry bulk trade | 4.9% below June 2021 | FY22 10.0% above FY21 |
| Break bulk trade | 0.9% above June 2021 | FY22 30.5% above FY21 |
| Liquid bulk trade | 61.8% above June 2021 | FY22 2.5% above FY21 |
| Motor vehicle imports | 16.7% below June 2021 (-6,255 units) | FY22 9.6% above FY21 |
Trade outlook
Container trade for early July 2022 is tracking below the comparative month in 2021.
Supply chain
With Shanghai fully open from restrictions in early June, reports are that Shanghai has experienced an exceptional bounce in exports with a record trade surplus on the back of pent up demand. Comments regarding global supply chains returning to normal remain cautious, whilst demand for goods has softened, particularly discretionary goods, as retailers run down stock levels due to inflationary concerns.
North East Asian trade to Australia remains strong, but some vessels caught up in congestion during May have caused some sliding in schedules and bunching, however the supply chain remains resilient, and we continue to monitor the situation ahead of peak season.
Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at information@portofmelbourne.com if you have any queries.
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