Port of Tauranga at Capacity, CEO Warns Kiwifruit Exports May Bottleneck
New Zealand's largest port, Tauranga, has hit terminal capacity. The port's CEO warned a squeeze could bottleneck kiwifruit exports as the season approaches. Investment plans and shipping routes may need to be reviewed.
The CEO of New Zealand's largest port, Tauranga, said its terminal has reached capacity. The official warned that congestion ahead of the kiwifruit export season could become a bottleneck. Tauranga handles a significant share of the country's agricultural exports.
Port management said terminal expansion investment takes time and that alternative options for the coming season are limited. Authorities are weighing temporary measures including optimised shipping routes, rotating use of storage areas and a clearer division of labour with neighbouring ports. According to RNZ Business, China, Japan and the European Union are major destinations for kiwifruit.
Exporters point to the risk that congestion will lift transport costs and lengthen delivery times. The New Zealand government said consultations with the sector on accelerating port infrastructure investment are continuing. Measures taken before the season starts will be decisive for the coastal regional economy.
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