Australia’s Pilbara Ports See Record Exports

Australia’s Pilbara Ports have achieved a record level of exports, with 758.3 million tonnes of exports passing through the region’s ports during the 2023-24 financial year. It marks the fifth consecutive year that the ports have achieved record-breaking throughputs.

Of the various ports across the Pilbara region, it was the Port of Hedland that made one of the biggest contributions to the export total. Hedland achieved a throughput of 573.6 million tonnes, cementing its status as one of Australia’s most strategically important and valuable ports.

It has been estimated that the 758.3 million tonnes of commodities exported from Pilbara ports had a value of $173.2 billion, highlighting the region’s major contribution to the wider Australian economy.

The growth in export volumes follows a period of both Commonwealth and Government investment in several major projects. These include Lumsden Point, in Port Hedland, and the Dampier Cargo Wharf in the Port of Dampier. 

Of the cargoes being exported, iron ore makes up a sizable portion, with Pilbara Ports accounting for an estimated 80% of the national trade in the valuable commodity. Further, Pilbara Ports account for 43% of global trade in iron ore.

Another valuable commodity passing through Pilbara Ports is salt. During the period 2023/24, a total of 7.1 million tonnes of salt was exported - accounting for about 51% of Australian salt production. 

Over the last financial year, Pilbara Ports also reported a total of 7,700 safe vessel visits, equating to an average of 21 vessel visits each day across the region’s four ports. 

Commenting on the export numbers, Ports Minister, David Michael, said: 

“The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the nation, and these impressive results are a clear example of that. 

The State Government continues to invest in infrastructure projects that fuel future prosperity and support regional jobs growth. 

It’s fantastic to see Pilbara Ports continuing to meet industry’s growing export needs, as strong economic conditions across the Pilbara increase demand for port services”.

Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel echoed Michael’s comments, saying: 

“Communities in the Pilbara continue to benefit from the success of our ports, with many local businesses being involved in achieving this strong result. 

Our ports are gateways connecting the Pilbara to the global market, and I am proud of the significant impact we make on the world stage”.

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