Pilbara Ports has delivered a record 804.1 million tonnes of exports and imports through the Ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island in the 2025-26 financial year, surpassing the previous record of 775.7 million tonnes set in 2024-25. The result represents the largest year-on-year increase in annual trade since 2017-18 and an estimated AUD 150 billion in export value, underscoring the Pilbara’s significance to both the Western Australian and national economies. The Port of Port Hedland contributed significantly to the record, recording 580.4 million tonnes of throughput during the year. Iron ore exports across all ports increased 4% to 759.4 million tonnes, while LNG totalled 26 million tonnes and salt 5.3 million tonnes. Pilbara Ports recorded 9,499 safe vessel visits during the year, a 9% increase on the previous financial year and an average of 26 vessel visits per day. Samuel McSkimming, Chief Executive Officer of Pilbara Ports, attributed the achievement to the people who keep the ports and export supply chains operating safely every day, describing it as the result of disciplined execution, strong partnerships and the Pilbara’s demonstrated capability to keep trade moving for customers worldwide. He highlighted the result as evidence of the Pilbara’s importance to the Western Australian economy while reinforcing the ongoing need for investment, reliable operations and future trade diversification across the port network. Pilbara Ports also invested more than AUD 1.17 million in 76 local community organisations across the Pilbara during the year, supporting projects enhancing community wellbeing, education, safety and regional development. The post Pilbara Ports sets new annual trade record appeared first on Container News .