Australian Economy Loses $600 Million a Year Due to Container Port Inefficiencies

Containers are loaded onto a cargo ship at Port Botany in Sydney, Australia, on June 4, 2021. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

Port inefficiencies cost the Australian economy about $600 million (US$414 million) per year, causing consumers to pay more for imported goods.

Following a year-long inquiry into container ports, the Productivity Commission found significant variations in the performance of ports across Australia with substantial implications for the economy.