This report analyses the total mass of exports that leave Australia by sea. This includes all throughput volume of bulk, break-bulk and containerised cargo that passes through Australian ports. The data for this report is sourced from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office and is measured in millions of mass tonnes exported in each financial year.
IBISWorld forecasts the total mass of exports by sea to increase by 1.7% in 2024-25, to reach 1,589.3 million tonnes. Increased overseas demand for Australian commodities, including iron ore and copper, will underpin this rise. The bulk of the total mass of exports in 2024-25 will be attributed to bauxite, alumina and oil. Demand for these goods has risen as economic activity has improved in the pandemic’s aftermath. Elevated gas prices have supported the uptake of coal, while the Russia-Ukraine conflict and subsequent sanctions on Russian commodities have lifted global demand for Australian cargoes. However, a strengthening Australian dollar over the year is expected to hinder the international competitiveness of Australian exports.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become a significant commodity export for Australia in terms of value following a substantial investment in LNG facilities. However, LNG carries far less mass than coal or iron ore, reducing its total contribution to the total mass of exports by sea. LNG exports are expected to reach 78.3 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 25.0 million tonnes a decade ago. However, LNG export volumes have marginally lost momentum over the past five years. Other small (in mass terms) but fast-growing commodities include nickel and zinc. Bauxite and alumina export volumes have dominated and grown, particularly in destinations like China.
IBISWorld forecasts the total mass of exports that leave Australia ...