Port of Mackay’s big trade year for mining and agriculture

• Mining and agriculture drive trade growth at the Port of Mackay.
• Break bulk trade surges 187 per cent on the previous financial year.
• Across all four NQBP ports, total trade reached 149.7 million tonnes, a slight increase on the previous financial year's 149.62 million tonnes.

The latest annual trade results from North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) reveal the critical role the Port of Mackay plays for mining and agriculture – two of the backbone industries of the region.

Break bulk trade at the Port of Mackay surged by more than 187 per cent in 2025-26, driven by growing demand for heavy machinery and equipment such as mining trucks and trays.

Trade volumes increased from 28,514 tonnes in 2024-25 to 82,007 tonnes, with accommodation units, mining machinery and trays contributing to the strong result.

The Port of Mackay recorded overall trade growth despite adverse weather events throughout the year, handling 3.5 million tonnes of trade in 2025-26, up from 3.4 million tonnes the previous financial year.

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the results demonstrate the Port of Mackay's resilience and importance to the region.

"From the mine site to the farm gate, the Port of Mackay is doing double duty for the industries that built our region,” Mr Webb said.

“Petroleum remained our largest commodity, with imports increasing from 1.88 million tonnes to 1.9 million tonnes, ensuring a reliable fuel supply for regional businesses and communities.

"Agricultural trade was also strong, with grain increasing to 299,732 tonnes (from 244,917 tonnes), fertiliser imports increasing to 70,098 tonnes (from 58,086 tonnes), and sugar holding steady at 977,888 tonnes.

"These results reflect the critical role our ports play in supporting Queensland's mining, agriculture and regional economies.”

The Port of Mackay is Queensland's primary exporter of refined sugar and a leading regional exporter of raw sugar and grain.

It is also the largest regional importer of fuel in Queensland, with six fuel terminals servicing the mining, agriculture, aviation and transport sectors.

With an international trade value of $2.7 billion a year, the port contributes $1.1 billion to Gross State Product and supports more than 2,000 jobs.

"The Port of Mackay is a true multi-commodity port facilitating the import and export of more than 15 commodities across more than 200 vessel visits each year,” Mr Webb said.

"We're continuing to invest in strategic infrastructure, including the new Port of Mackay Container Depot, which will strengthen regional supply chains, improve turnaround times and create new trade opportunities for importers and exporters."

Across all four NQBP ports, total trade reached 149.7 million tonnes in 2025–26, a slight increase on the previous financial year's 149.62 million tonnes.

Images for download

Image 1 |  The Port of Mackay plays a critical role connecting the mining and agricultural industries to the world.

Image 2 | Break bulk trade at the Port of Mackay surged by more than 187 per cent in 2025-26.

Image 3 | Agricultural trade was strong in 2025-26, with grain increasing to 299,732 tonnes from 244,917 tonnes in 2024-25.

Image 4 | The Port of Mackay Container Depot will support Central Queensland businesses.

ENDS

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact:

Amanda Blines | Senior Advisor Brand and Communications
0439 703 330 | ablines@nqbp.com.au