The Port of Fremantle's container trade increased by 12 per cent in the first six months of the current financial year, compared with the same period the previous year. Substantial increases in coastal container  trade and trans-shipment cargo were contributing factors.

General and bulk trades in the Inner Harbour also increased, up by almost 4 per cent on the previous years figure.

Inner Harbour imports showing a significant increase were sugar, manufactures of metal, furniture and plastic wares. 

Among Inner Harbour exports showing strong growth in the first six months was stock feed (hay, chaff and other fodders), up by 33 per cent on the same period last year. Wool exports, however, were down by almost 20 per cent.

Bulk exports in the Outer Harbour were up by 2.9 per cent, but bulk imports were down by 4.9 per cent in the 6 months to the end of December 2002, compared with the same period the previous year.

Among bulk commodities which showed a substantial increase in Outer Harbour trade  were ammonium sulphate, potash, sulphur, refined petroleum, and silica sands.

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