Stronger container volumes seen in July
Strong volumes have been seen in July ahead of the traditional peak season.
July 2022 saw total container throughput (full and empty) up 3.7% over July 2021 with a total of 285,561 TEU. Year to date container volumes are up 3.7%.
Full overseas imports were up 3.9% on July 2021 with strong trade flowing through post Shanghai lockdowns, whilst full container exports were down 5.7% on July 2021, with miscellaneous manufactures, timber, barley, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh fruit below last year’s levels.
Total empty container movements were 16.2% above July 2021.
July 2022 trade performance compared with July 2021 was as follows:
| Full overseas container imports (excl. transshipments) | 5.0% above July 2021 | |
| Full overseas container exports (excl. transshipments) | 5.4% below July 2021 | |
| Total empty containers moved | 16.2% above July 2021 | |
| Bass Strait full container trade (excl. transshipments) | 7.4% below July 2021 | |
| Full container transshipments | 11.1% below July 2021 | |
| Dry bulk trade | 30.0% above July 2021 | |
| Break bulk trade | 48.0% above July 2021 | |
| Liquid bulk trade | 3.4% above July 2021 | |
| Motor vehicle imports | 11.4% above July 2021 (+3,442 units) | |
Trade outlook
Container trade for early August 2022 is tracking above the comparative month in 2021.
Supply chain
The global supply chain continues to be challenged, and despite some evidence of consumer spending slowing due to inflationary pressures, there remains ongoing congestion at major hubs and inland networks. Overflow of volume has been seen to neighbouring ports due to industrial action across parts of the US, UK and Germany, in addition to weather issues, ongoing issues related to the Ukraine conflict, and the fact that ports are continuing to work through large volumes of backlog cargo.
Trade volumes to Australia remain strong however congestion continues to be seen in the Oceania region due to severe weather and vessel bunching. Locally 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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