Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0a7b99c8/australia_freight) has announced the addition of the "Australia Freight Transport Report Q2 2012" report to their offering. BMI are bearish in our forecasts for the Australian economy in 2012 and further ahead, based on our fears of a slowdown in China. Australia's fortunes are inextricably linked to China's, as are many other developed economies, so a Chinese hard landing would result in the tremors being felt in Australia. Meanwhile, the situation in Australia itself is sobering: GDP is forecast to come in at a mere 1.6% in 2012, while unemployment will hit 5.4%. Headline Industry Data - 2012 air freight tonnage is expected to grow by 0.93%; - 2012 rail freight tonnage is forecast to contract by 0.06%; - 2012 Port of Melbourne tonnage throughput is forecast to increase by 3.26%; - 2012 Port of Sydney tonnage throughput is forecast to grow by 4.80%; - 2012 road freight is forecast to increase by 0.86%; - 2012 total real trade growth is forecast to contract 4.26%. Key Industry Trends Newcastle To Get Competitive With Grain Diversification Although the Port of Newcastle has made its name for its coal-related activities, it is planning to diversify its operations to encompass the building of a new agricultural export terminal, it was reported in October 2011. Wiggins Island Railway Project To Move Forward An agreement was reached in September 2011 between QR National and a consortium of coal companies relating to the start of the AUD900mn (US$960mn) Wiggin Island rail project in the state of Queensland. The agreement, subject to approval from the Queensland Competition Authority, was reached between QR National's wholly-owned subsidiary QR Network and mining companies Xstrata Coal, Aquila Resources, Bandanna Energy, Caledon Resources, Northern Energy, Yancoal Australia, Wesfarmers Curragh and Cockatoo Coal. New Green Technology Trialled In Australia Australia's first hydrogen fuel cell truck has been developed and trialled by researchers at the country's RMIT University, it was announced in November 2011. Risks To Outlook Risks to the Australian freight industry are situated on the downside in the short term, due to the country's reliance on China as a key trading partner. The importance of China's economy for the growth of the region cannot be overstated and as BMI expect a slowdown to occur there in 2012, this will have a detrimental effect on Australia. Industrial action at certain Australian ports is also an issue in the short term as issues that first triggered the strikes during 2011 do not seem to have been resolved. Companies Mentioned - Pacific National - QR National - Qantas Freight - Toll Group For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0a7b99c8/australia_freight |
