Containerised trade in the Australasian region saw solid growth in the first quarter of 2025, expanding 6.4% year-on-year to reach 5.79 million TEUs, according to provisional data released by Container Trades Statistics.
Both imports and exports registered notable increases, though intra-regional trade within Australasia contracted sharply, dropping more than 8% to 73,400 TEU.
Australasian exports rose by 19,700 TEU to 654,700 TEU, with growth led by the region’s dominant Far East corridor, which climbed 5% to 461,700 TEU. The North American trade lane, the region’s second-largest, recorded even stronger momentum with an 8% rise to 59,100 TEU.
However, trade volumes to Europe and the Middle East/Indian Subcontinent declined 12% and 2% respectively, reflecting shifting global demand patterns and possible route realignments.
Australasian imports surged by 334,800 TEU to a total of 5.06 million TEU, highlighting strong inbound trade dynamics. Once again, the Far East led the charge, underpinning much of the growth.
But unlike exports, imports from Europe and the Middle East/Indian Subcontinent also increased substantially, pointing to a broader diversification of sourcing regions.
Conversely, imports from North America and sub-Saharan Africa contracted, suggesting shifting procurement strategies or temporary supply chain disruptions in those corridors.
