The Port of Melbourne remains Southeast Australia’s leading trade gateway, handling a record $154 billion in trade during Financial Year 2025 (FY25).
Container throughput reached a historic high of 3.39 million TEUs, averaging over 9,200 TEUs daily, making it Australia’s largest container port with nearly 21 per cent more volume than any other national port.
Saul Cannon, CEO of Port of Melbourne, said: “Handling more than one-third of Australia’s container trade, we continue to support Victoria’s growth through investments in infrastructure and strong collaboration with government, industry, and community.”
In FY25, container trade comprised 40 per cent full imports and 20 per cent full exports.
Furniture dominated imports with over 9 per cent of total container imports, increasing 23 per cent from FY24, alongside appliances, clothing, toys, and sporting goods.
Agricultural products from regional Southeast Australia led exports, with wheat accounting for nearly 6 per cent of container exports. Other top exports included hay, fresh fruit, beef, sawn timber, and barley.
China remains the port’s largest trading partner, accounting for 50 per cent of container imports and 20 per cent of exports in FY25.
David Olsson AO, ACBC National President, highlighted the port’s vital role in Australia–China trade, noting renewed economic engagement and opportunities in green supply chains and innovation.
Southeast Asia is an emerging key region, with exports rising from 19 per cent in FY20 to 27 per cent in FY25. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia rank among the port’s top import and export partners.
With container trade expected to double over the next 30 years, Port of Melbourne has invested nearly $1 billion since 2016 to enhance infrastructure, including Swanson Dock West to accommodate larger vessels.
Planning is underway for a fourth container terminal and nine other projects outlined in the Draft 2055 Port Development Strategy, due for publication by December 2025.
Last month, Port Melbourne Containers partnered with OneStop to implement two integrated digital solutions from 1 September 2025: OneStop Modal and Vehicle Booking System (VBS).
