Ports in Sydney saw an 11 per cent increase in container throughput in the second half of last year.

Figures show 833,473 containers passed through the nation's ports during the six months to December, up from 751,160 the previous year, a statement from authorities said.

This puts Sydney on track to surpass the 1.4 million containers shipped in and out of Port Botany and Darling Harbour in 2005-06 full year.

"Commodities such as chemicals, machinery and manufactures have contributed to the increase in imports, with shipments from China, Indonesia and Vietnam growing substantially in the six months," said New South Wales Ports Minister Joe Tripodi.

Full container exports rose by 12.6 per cent above the previous year's six-month period, driven by rises in cereals, iron, steel and paper products.

Total trade through Sydney's ports amounted to 13.9 million tonnes, up 5.8 per cent over the corresponding prior year period.

Non-container cargo volume has also increased, with a more than 13 per cent rise in motor vehicle imports.

"Trade through the ports of Sydney is continuing to grow and Sydney Ports is focussed on ensuring the ports continue to cater for growth," Mr Tripodi added.