Local exports drive Port Botany container growth in 08/09

“Latest trade figures for Port Botany show full container exports grew by 14.9% in the 2008-09 financial year,” Gilfillan said.

“The higher exports of timber, cereals, machinery and transport equipment have been the primary drivers of the growth.

“Countries such as China, New Zealand, Japan and the United states continue to be the main consumers of these local products.

“Cereal exports (including wheat and barley) continue to grow strongly as a result of favourable growing conditions in the North West and Central West regions of the State, up 54.6% on last year.

“Another standout adding to growth is timber, with demand from China boosting timber exports by 71.3%.

“The depreciation of the Australian dollar in the first half of the financial year also improved the competitive position of NSW firms which in turn has contributed to the growth in exports.

“Despite the global economic downturn, total container trade through Port Botany, including imports, reached a record 1.784 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), up 0.3% compared to the previous financial year,” Gilfillan said.

This included a record monthly throughput of 168,000 TEUs for November 2008.
Full container exports to a number of countries have increased by more than 15%. These include:

• China (up 31.1%)
• Korea (up 18.3%)
• Malaysia (up 39.6 %)
• Singapore (up 35.4%)
• Vietnam (up 75.1%)
• UAE (up 16.9%) and
• Papua New Guinea (up 21.3%).
  

Gilfillan said that while the first six months of the financial year showed strong overall container trade growth, the second half of the financial year reflects the influence of the global economic slowdown.

“The global slowdown will still pose a challenge for Sydney over next twelve months, but with the increased investment in infrastructure such as the $1 billion Port Botany Expansion, Sydney Ports will be well placed to take advantage once the market improves,” Gilfillan said.

“Total trade for the financial year to 30 June 2009 was 27.8 million mass tonnes ? a decrease of 4.7% compared to the same period last year.

“This was mainly as a result of the cessation of the motor vehicle trade through Glebe Island in November 2008 and the reduction in crude oil imports,” Gilfillan said.
Top Exports:

• Cereals (including wheat and barley) – 54.6% increase with most exports to Indonesia
• Timber – 71.3% increase with most exports to China
• Machinery and Transport equipment – up 24.3%.
  

Where does it go?

• Meat – the USA consumes 21% of all meat exported from Port Botany
• Waste Paper – China accepts more than 80% of waste paper exports.
• Chemicals – New Zealand is the destination for 25% of our chemical exports.
  

Top Imports:

The leading import regions were dominated by:

• East Asia (44%)
• Europe (17%)
• South East Asia (15%)
  

The top imports include:

• Machinery and Transport Equipment
• Chemical products
• Paper products