THE Port of Newcastle increased trade by $4.3 billion last financial year to achieve total throughput worth $17.38 billion, it was revealed yesterday.

Total imports and exports amounted to 114.57 million tonnes, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year, confirming the port's importance to the NSW and national economy.

Regarded as the biggest coal-exporting port in the world, Newcastle exported 108.26 million tonnes of coal last year, valued at $13.55 billion.

Imports and exports in about 40 other commodities totalled 6.32 million tonnes, valued at $3.83 billion.

"The continued growth and diversity of the port resulted in increased coal exports and also trade in other commodities for which Newcastle Port Corporation and port stakeholders can be very proud," corporation chief executive Gary Webb said.

"The 6.32 million tonnes is an increase of about 380,000 tonnes on 2009-10 and represents about 22 per cent of overall value."

The 11 per cent increase in trade was due largely to increased demand for Hunter Valley coal and subsequent increases in the price of coal.

Mr Webb said 11 ships entered Newcastle's port last year with imported leisure craft worth about $440 million.

Mr Webb said the statistics showed the port was an economic driver for NSW and Australia.

"Expansion of the port's coal terminals and the proposed development of strategic portside land at the former BHP steelworks site at Mayfield demonstrate significant current and future investment in the port," he said.

There was a slight drop in the trade volume of alumina, mineral concentrates and fertiliser product.