Port of Newcastle posts record diversified trade volumes in 2025

newy.com.au – Port of Newcastle has recorded its strongest diversified trade performance on record, with more than 11.12 million tonnes of non-coal cargo passing through the port in 2025.

The result surpassed the previous record of 10.13 million tonnes set in 2021, driven by higher exports of key commodities including wheat and growing volumes of project cargo linked to major renewable energy projects in New South Wales and beyond.

Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said the result showed the strength of the port’s diversification strategy and its expanding role in supporting Australia’s energy transition and agricultural supply chains.

“Surpassing 11.12 million tonnes of diversified trade in 2025 marks an important milestone for Port of Newcastle and reinforces our long-term commitment to broadening our trade base,” Mr Carmody said.

“These record volumes are more than numbers – they reflect the strength of our partnerships, the commitment of our workforce, and the progress we’re making towards a more diversified and sustainable future for our Port and our region.”

Wheat exports rose 396 per cent year-on-year to 2.9 million tonnes, helped by favourable seasonal conditions across northern cropping regions. Exports of meals and grain to destinations including the UAE, Bangladesh, Japan and Vietnam also increased 19 per cent on 2024 volumes to more than 1 million tonnes.

In total, the port handled more than 160 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, including more than 149 million tonnes in coal exports.

“Coal continues to underpin a significant portion of our trade, providing energy security to our global customers. Change doesn’t happen overnight and as markets like Asia continue to diversify, we remain a critical energy export gateway.”

The port recorded 2340 vessel visits in 2025, including 574 non-coal and nine cruise vessels.

“What many people may not realise is that the Port handles 25 different cargo types, from aluminium, cement, and fuels to fertiliser, steel, and project cargo, which are all helping to drive growth in diversified trade,” Mr Carmody said.

“We’ve seen particularly strong demand for the import and export of machinery and project cargo, with more than 431,000 tonnes moving through the Port in 2025. A major contributor to this was the arrival of wind turbine components for the Uungula Wind Farm within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.”

Mr Carmody said the figures underlined Port of Newcastle’s role as a key logistics hub for government and private renewable energy projects.

“The Port continues to evolve as a critical gateway for Australia’s energy future. Over the next decade, this will not only contribute to the Port’s ongoing diversification but play an essential role in powering the nation’s transformation to cleaner energy.”