Posted on June 17, 2026
In an environment of persistent global uncertainty – characterised by geopolitical risk, trade policy fragmentation and tariff volatility – international supply chains continue to adapt rather than unwind.
Against this backdrop, Port of Melbourne’s trade performance highlights the story of Victoria’s resilience. Goods continued to move, supply chains adapted, and trade volumes reached new highs, underscoring the underlying strength and adaptability of the Victorian economy.
Port of Melbourne handled a record 3.5 million TEU in Calendar Year 2025 (CY25), the second consecutive year of record container throughput. This outcome does not signal immunity from global challenges, but indicates that Victoria remains well-positioned within international supply chains and capable of navigating external shocks.
While tariffs emerged as a source of global trade disruption in 2025, their direct impact on Port of Melbourne was relatively contained.
Exporters maintained a competitive advantage in the United States market due to comparatively low tariff exposure, particularly relative to key competitors. Exports to the US remained robust – supported, in particular, by strong demand for beef. Beef supply shortages in the US, combined with Australia’s favourable tariff position, helped sustain export volumes despite a broader tightening of global trade conditions. This performance illustrates how targeted competitiveness in key sectors can offset broader global headwinds.
Similarly, export demand across Asia proved resilient as Asian economies demonstrated a capacity to absorb higher trade frictions linked to US tariffs, helping to sustain demand for Victorian agricultural exports in 2025.
More broadly, exports through Port of Melbourne continued to be driven by agricultural goods, reflecting both a strong domestic harvest and sustained regional demand. Southeast Asia has grown steadily in importance and is now the Port’s largest export region, accounting for over a quarter of total container exports.
The combination of favourable seasonal conditions and resilient Asian demand provided a stabilising force for Victorian exports in 2025.
