What’s happening?
The Port of Mackay has recorded strong trade activity in the first half of the 2025–26 financial year. Total trade reached 2.016 million tonnes between July and December 2025.
A strong agricultural season and rising breakbulk shipments helped drive the result.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation CEO Brendan Webb said higher grain exports, steady demand for key commodities and more project cargo contributed to the increase.
“The Port of Mackay’s strong trade results are being driven by an uplift in grain activity, continued strength across key commodities and a surge in project and general cargo movements,” Mr Webb said.
Grain exports have already passed last financial year’s total within six months.
“Grain exports have recorded an impressive six months, already exceeding last financial year’s total of 244,917 tonnes.”
Fertiliser imports have also tracked strongly alongside agricultural demand.
Breakbulk trade has grown sharply, with vessel calls and freight volumes already above last year’s levels.
Why it matters
The port remains a key logistics hub for agriculture, mining and industry across regional Queensland.
Mr Webb said the strong performance highlights the port’s role in supporting regional supply chains and international trade.
“Our strong trade performance highlights the port’s vital role in supporting regional Queensland industry and global supply chains.”
Fuel imports continue to support mining operations across the Bowen Basin.
“Fuel trucks depart the port 24/7 to support the Bowen Basin – a supply lifeline that underpins the mining industry’s operations,” Mr Webb said.
He also noted Mackay’s importance to Australia’s sugar industry.
“Mackay is one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing regions, and the port hosts one of the world’s largest bulk sugar terminals.”
By the numbers
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2.016 million tonnes of trade moved through the Port of Mackay between July and December 2025, marking a strong first half of the 2025–26 financial year.
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265,431 tonnes of grain exports have already been shipped this financial year, surpassing the 244,917 tonnes exported across the entire previous year.
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More than 60,000 freight tonnes of breakbulk cargo had been handled by the end of January 2026, doubling last year’s 29,908 tonnes, with 14 vessels already visiting the port compared with 11 across FY25.
Zoom in
The port’s three largest traded commodities remain petroleum imports, sugar exports and grain exports.
Petroleum imports reached 1,002,709 tonnes, followed by 501,054 tonnes of sugar exports and 265,431 tonnes of grain exports.
This mix reflects the port’s role as a multi-commodity hub supporting several industries.
Zoom out
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation manages four major ports across the state.
Together, the ports facilitate more than 150 million tonnes of trade each year, contributing $35 billion to Queensland’s economy and supporting 47,000 jobs.
NQBP ports collectively handle 54% of Queensland’s trade by volume, including 68% of the state’s coal exports.
Local impact
Strong trade at the Port of Mackay supports industries across the region.
Agriculture benefits through grain exports and fertiliser imports, while fuel imports support mining operations in the Bowen Basin.
Project cargo and breakbulk shipments also support regional construction and industry.
Mr Webb said the results reflect cooperation across the port community.
“These strong results reflect the dedication of NQBP’s workforce and the collaboration of customers and stakeholders who keep trade moving safely and efficiently.”
What to look for next
Momentum is expected to continue through the second half of the financial year.
A new multi-million-dollar container depot currently under construction at the port will strengthen cargo capability and support further trade diversification.
