Australia Trade, Exports and Imports

A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Australia has been very enthusiastic about pursuing the cause of international trade liberalization. The country also plays an active role in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Cairns Group. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Australia has been a part of many bilateral free trade agreements. In 2005, the country signed the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), which is a preferential trade agreement between the two economies, based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Australian government has been focused tremendously on increasing exports, rather on than manufactures in the past few years. This has led to a considerable increase in the terms of trade.
Australia Trade: Major Australian Exports, 2008-09

Australia has a wealth of natural resources that contribute significantly to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Here are some of the major exports of the country:


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      Coal: A$54,590 million
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      Iron ore & concentrates: A$34,249 million
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      Gold: A$16,893 million
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      Natural gas: A$10,086 million
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      Crude petroleum: A$8,261 million



Australia also exports wheat, meat, wool, aluminum, machinery and transport equipment.
Australia Trade: Major Australian Imports, 2008-09

Here are some of the main products that are imported by Australia:

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      Crude petroleum: A$14,441 million
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      Refined petroleum: A$12,199 million
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      Passenger motor vehicles: A$11,618 million
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      Gold: A$11,251 million
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      Medicaments (incl veterinary): A$7,393 million



The country also imports machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts.


Australia Trade: Australian Merchandise Trade

The Australian merchandise trade for 2008-09 includes:

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      Exports: A$230,511 million
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      Imports: A$219,469 million
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      Total trade (exports + imports): A$449,980 million
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      Merchandise trade surplus: A$11,042 million

Australia Trade: Australia's Main Export Destinations

The following are Australia's main export destinations, as of 2008-09:

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      Japan: 22.8%
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      China: 17.1%
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      Republic of Korea: 8.3%
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      India: 6.7%
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      United States: 5.0%

Australia Trade: Australia's Import Partners

Here are Australia's main import sources, as of 2008-09:

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      China 16.9%
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      United States (f) 11.5%
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      Japan 8.1%
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      Singapore 6.1%
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      Germany 5.1%

Australia Trade: Australia's Trade in Services

Australia's trade in services as of 2008-09, includes:

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      Exports of services : A$53,298 million
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      Imports of services: A$56,880 million
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      Services trade deficit:A$ 3,582 million