Climate-Driven Trade Shifts: Brisbane Port's Agricultural Exports

Agricultural exports out of the Port of Brisbane have seen a significant surge in recent years, driven by climate conditions and changing demand patterns. The only exception is sugar, which has declined dramatically, while cotton and chickpea exports have increased significantly. The Port of Brisbane spokesperson attributed the 15% rise in refrigerated meat exports to increased cattle supply, production, and overseas demand. Climate conditions have a profound impact on agricultural production and trade volumes.

Key Takeaways:

• Sugar exports have plummeted from 22,905 tonnes to 6,163 tonnes over the past five years.
• Cotton exports have increased more than threefold.
• Chickpea exports have skyrocketed from 323,793 tonnes to 1,105,844 tonnes in the same time frame.
• Refrigerated meat exports rose 15% to a record 79,500 TEU in 2024-25.
• The increase in chickpea exports is attributed to exporters responding to the temporary lifting of Indian chickpea tariffs in 2025, coupled with good growing conditions.
• The Port of Brisbane is a critical hub for the grains industry, and climate conditions have a significant influence on trade volumes.
• Exporters are responding to increased demand from India and Pakistan for pulses such as chickpeas and faba beans.
• The number of bulk loading terminals in Brisbane has doubled, contributing to the increase in grain shipments.

Statistics:

• 22,905 tonnes (initial sugar export volume)
• 6,163 tonnes (current sugar export volume)
• 3-fold increase in cotton exports
• 323,793 tonnes (initial chickpea export volume)
• 1,105,844 tonnes (current chickpea export volume)
• 15% rise in refrigerated meat exports
• 79,500 TEU (record refrigerated meat exports in 2024-25)
• Over 50% of refrigerated meat exports go to north Asian markets
• 50% (percentage of product exported to north Asian markets)

Sources:

• Judith Maizey, Port of Brisbane spokesperson
• Scott Merson, Grain Trade Australia spokesperson