What Are Australia’s Main Imports and Exports?
International Trade & Markets
Quick Overview
Australia exported A$665.2 billion and imported A$658.3 billion in goods and services in 2025, producing a A$6.9 billion surplus. Iron ore, coal, natural gas, gold and education led exports, while travel, fuel, vehicles and technology dominated imports.
Australia’s International Trade at a Glance
Australia is a major exporter of minerals, energy, agricultural commodities and education services. Its import demand is concentrated in manufactured goods, vehicles, fuel, technology, machinery and commercial services.
Total exports increased by 3.1% in 2025, while imports grew by 6.9%. Faster import growth reduced the trade surplus from A$29.2 billion in 2024 to A$6.9 billion in 2025.
All figures in this article are presented in Australian dollars unless otherwise stated.
| Year | Goods and Services Exports | Goods and Services Imports | Trade Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | A$644.9 billion | A$615.7 billion | A$29.2 billion surplus |
| 2025 | A$665.2 billion | A$658.3 billion | A$6.9 billion surplus |
Australia recorded A$142.1 billion in services exports during 2025. Services imports reached A$179.5 billion, producing a services deficit of A$37.5 billion.
What Does Australia Export?
Australia’s export economy remains strongly connected to mining, energy and commodity demand across Asia. However, gold, agriculture, education, tourism and professional services also make substantial contributions.
Australia’s Main Exports in 2025
| Rank | Export | 2025 Value | Share of Total Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iron ore and concentrates | A$121.0 billion | 18.2% |
| 2 | Coal | A$64.1 billion | 9.6% |
| 3 | Natural gas | A$59.7 billion | 9.0% |
| 4 | Gold | A$59.5 billion | 9.0% |
| 5 | Education-related travel services | A$55.0 billion | 8.3% |
| 6 | Personal travel services | A$25.6 billion | 3.8% |
| 7 | Professional and business services | A$19.3 billion | 2.9% |
| 8 | Beef | A$18.7 billion | 2.8% |
| 9 | Aluminum ores and concentrates | A$13.2 billion | 2.0% |
| 10 | Intellectual property charges | A$11.3 billion | 1.7% |
Iron Ore and Mineral Resources
Iron ore remained Australia’s largest export in 2025, generating approximately A$121 billion.
Australia’s major iron ore production and export operations are concentrated in Western Australia. Most shipments move through specialist bulk terminals rather than container ports.
Major mineral exports include:
- Iron ore
- Aluminum ores and alumina
- Copper ores and concentrates
- Zinc, lead and tin ores
- Precious metal ores
- Refined aluminum and copper
Demand is closely connected to construction, manufacturing, infrastructure investment and steel production in Asia.
Coal and Natural Gas
Coal exports were worth A$64.1 billion in 2025, although their value decreased by 24.7% compared with 2024. Natural gas exports declined by 11.4% to A$59.7 billion.
Australia exports:
- Metallurgical coal used in steel production
- Thermal coal used for electricity generation
- Liquefied natural gas
- Crude petroleum
- Refined petroleum products
These commodities generally require bulk carriers, LNG vessels, tankers and dedicated export terminals.
Gold and Precious Metals
Gold exports increased by 66.8% to A$59.5 billion in 2025, making gold Australia’s fourth-largest export.
Unlike iron ore and coal, gold can be transported in relatively small, high-value consignments. Shipments require specialist security, insurance, handling and regulatory procedures.
Exports of other precious metal ores and concentrates also grew strongly during the year.
Beef, Wheat and Agricultural Products
Australia is a major exporter of food and agricultural commodities. Beef exports increased by 33.3% to A$18.7 billion in 2025.
Other important agricultural exports included:
- Wheat: A$9.9 billion
- Meat excluding beef: A$8.3 billion
- Oilseeds and oleaginous fruits: A$4.6 billion
- Wool
- Dairy products
- Wine
- Barley
- Seafood
- Fruit and nuts
Agricultural cargo may travel in bulk vessels, dry containers, refrigerated containers or by air freight, depending on the product and required shelf life.
Education and Travel Services
Education-related travel services generated A$55 billion in 2025, increasing by 6%.
This category includes spending by international students studying in Australia, including tuition and eligible living expenses.
Personal travel services excluding education generated another A$25.6 billion. Together, education and tourism make services an important part of Australia’s export economy.
Where Does Australia Export To?
Australia’s exports remain concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. China alone received 29.4% of total Australian goods and services exports in 2025.
Australia’s Top Export Markets in 2025
The five largest markets received 59.8% of Australia’s exports.
China
China is Australia’s largest export market. Major Australian exports to China include:
- Iron ore
- Natural gas
- Gold
- Coal
- Agricultural products
- Education and travel services
China’s demand for minerals and energy makes the relationship particularly important for Australia’s resources sector.
Japan and South Korea
Japan and South Korea are major buyers of Australian LNG, coal, iron ore, beef and agricultural commodities.
Both countries rely heavily on imported energy and industrial resources, making Australia an important long-term supplier.
United States
The United States became Australia’s third-largest export market in 2025. The increase was partly driven by stronger gold, services and commercial trade flows.
Businesses shipping containerized or air cargo between the two countries can compare services through the Australia-to-US freight guide.
India
Australia’s exports to India include coal, gold, minerals, agricultural commodities and education services.
The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has reduced tariffs for many products and supports expanding bilateral trade.
What Does Australia Import?
Australia imports manufactured products, fuels, vehicles, machinery, electronics, medicines and commercial services.
The country’s geographic size, limited domestic manufacturing base and demand for overseas technology make international supply chains essential for businesses and consumers.
Australia’s Main Imports in 2025
| Rank | Import | 2025 Value | Share of Total Imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personal travel services | A$68.5 billion | 10.4% |
| 2 | Refined petroleum | A$43.9 billion | 6.7% |
| 3 | Passenger motor vehicles | A$34.5 billion | 5.2% |
| 4 | Professional and business services | A$33.0 billion | 5.0% |
| 5 | Transport services | A$29.0 billion | 4.4% |
| 6 | Gold | A$20.6 billion | 3.1% |
| 7 | Intellectual property charges | A$19.2 billion | 2.9% |
| 8 | Telecommunications equipment and parts | A$18.7 billion | 2.8% |
| 9 | Computers | A$16.6 billion | 2.5% |
| 10 | Goods vehicles | A$15.8 billion | 2.4% |
Australia’s Main Physical Goods Imports
Refined Petroleum
Refined petroleum was Australia’s largest physical goods import in 2025, valued at A$43.9 billion.
Australia imports substantial quantities of:
- Gasoline
- Diesel
- Aviation fuel
- Other refined petroleum products
Fuel imports generally move through dedicated tanker terminals rather than container facilities.
Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles
Passenger motor vehicle imports reached A$34.5 billion, while goods vehicle imports totaled A$15.8 billion.
Australia imports cars, vans, trucks and utility vehicles from markets including Japan, Thailand, South Korea, China, Germany and the United States.
Finished vehicles generally move by roll-on/roll-off shipping. Vehicle parts, engines, batteries and accessories may be transported by FCL, LCL or air freight.
Telecommunications Equipment and Computers
Telecommunications equipment imports reached A$18.7 billion, while computers were worth A$16.6 billion.
Common technology imports include:
- Mobile phones
- Networking equipment
- Servers and data-center hardware
- Computers and accessories
- Electrical machinery
- Electronic components
- Measuring and analytical instruments
Computers recorded annual import growth of 30.9% in 2025. Electrical machinery and parts increased by 26.9%.
High-value or urgent technology shipments may use air freight to Australia, while larger orders usually move by ocean freight.
Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products
Imports of medicines, including veterinary products, reached A$10.7 billion in 2025.
Australia also imported A$7.8 billion in pharmaceutical products excluding medicines.
Pharmaceutical cargo can require:
- Temperature-controlled packaging
- Shipment monitoring
- Security procedures
- Product permits
- Import documentation
- Fast customs processing
Machinery, Furniture and Consumer Goods
Australia imports machinery and consumer products for construction, industry, retail and household use.
Other major imports included:
- Civil engineering equipment
- Electrical machinery
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Furniture and mattresses
- Toys and sporting goods
- Plastic products
- Measuring instruments
- Textiles, clothing and footwear
Many of these goods are transported by ocean freight to Australia using FCL or LCL services.
Where Does Australia Import From?
China was Australia’s largest source of imports in 2025, supplying almost one-fifth of total goods and services imports.
Australia’s Top Import Sources in 2025
| Rank | Import Source | Import Value | Share of Total Imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | A$130.2 billion | 19.8% |
| 2 | United States | A$98.6 billion | 15.0% |
| 3 | Japan | A$32.4 billion | 4.9% |
| 4 | Singapore | A$28.2 billion | 4.3% |
| 5 | Thailand | A$23.6 billion | 3.6% |
| 6 | South Korea | A$23.3 billion | 3.5% |
| 7 | Germany | A$22.4 billion | 3.4% |
| 8 | Malaysia | A$21.4 billion | 3.3% |
| 9 | United Kingdom | A$20.3 billion | 3.1% |
| 10 | New Zealand | A$20.1 billion | 3.1% |
The five largest import sources supplied 48.9% of Australia’s imports. ASEAN economies collectively represented 17.9% of imports, while the European Union accounted for 12.9%.
Imports From China
Australia imports a wide range of manufactured products from China, including:
- Computers and electronics
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electrical machinery
- Furniture
- Clothing and footwear
- Toys
- Plastics
- Industrial components
- Household products
China’s role as both Australia’s largest export market and import supplier makes it the country’s most important overall trading partner.
Imports From the United States
Major imports from the United States include:
- Professional and business services
- Technology
- Medicines
- Machinery
- Aircraft and parts
- Vehicles
- Medical equipment
- Intellectual property services
Companies moving commercial cargo can review the US-to-Australia freight guide for ocean, air and express options.
Imports From Japan, Thailand and South Korea
Japan, Thailand and South Korea are major suppliers of vehicles, machinery, electronics and industrial products.
Thailand is an especially important supplier of passenger and commercial vehicles, while Japan and South Korea provide cars, machinery, electronics and manufactured components.
Imports From Singapore and Malaysia
Singapore is an important source of refined petroleum, commercial services and regional transshipment cargo.
Malaysia supplies electronics, petroleum products, machinery, chemicals and manufactured goods.
Australia’s Trade With the United States
The United States was Australia’s third-largest export market and second-largest import source in 2025.
| Trade Direction | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| Australian exports to the United States | A$59.9 billion |
| Australian imports from the United States | A$98.6 billion |
| Total two-way trade | A$158.5 billion |
The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2005 and continues to support trade in goods, services and investment.
Common Australian exports to the United States include:
- Gold
- Beef
- Medicines
- Industrial products
- Professional services
- Travel services
Common U.S. exports to Australia include:
- Machinery
- Technology
- Medicines
- Vehicles
- Aircraft equipment
- Professional services
Latest Australian Trade Trends in 2026
Australia’s monthly goods trade position weakened during the first half of 2026.
In May 2026:
- Goods exports decreased by 6.9% to A$43.6 billion.
- Goods imports increased by 2.6% to A$46.6 billion.
- Australia recorded a seasonally adjusted goods deficit of A$3.0 billion.
- Gold and metal ore exports declined.
- Imports of transport equipment and aircraft increased.
May was Australia’s second seasonally adjusted goods-trade deficit of 2026 and its first deficit on an original basis since January 2018.
Monthly figures can fluctuate because of gold shipments, commodity prices, fuel costs, aircraft deliveries and the timing of major industrial orders. Complete annual data provides a more stable view of Australia’s long-term trade profile.
How Australia’s Trade Profile Affects Freight Shipping
Australia’s major exports and imports use several different transport systems.
Bulk and Specialist Shipping
Iron ore, coal, LNG, petroleum and major mineral cargoes usually require:
- Bulk carriers
- LNG vessels
- Tankers
- Specialist loading terminals
- Dedicated storage infrastructure
These products generally do not move in standard shipping containers.
FCL Shipping
Full Container Load shipping is suitable for:
- Machinery
- Industrial equipment
- Furniture
- Consumer products
- Automotive parts
- Packaged food
- Large commercial orders
FCL gives one shipper exclusive use of a container and reduces handling compared with consolidated cargo.
LCL Shipping
Less than Container Load shipping is suitable for:
- Pallets
- Small wholesale orders
- Replacement parts
- Samples
- Packaged consumer goods
- Smaller machinery shipments
Importers and exporters share container capacity and pay for the space occupied by their cargo.
Air Freight
Air freight is commonly used for:
- Medicines
- Electronics
- Urgent machinery parts
- Medical equipment
- High-value cargo
- Perishable food
- Commercial samples
It is faster than ocean freight but usually costs more per kilogram.
Businesses can use the freight cost calculator to compare available services and the transit time calculator to estimate shipping schedules.
References
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia’s Top Goods, Services and Trading Partners in 2025 - Export, import, commodity and trading-partner values for calendar year 2025.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics - International Trade Supplementary Information, 2025 - Annual goods and services totals, partner rankings and services data.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics - International Trade in Goods, May 2026 - Latest monthly export, import and trade-balance figures.
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement - Official information about AUSFTA and its implementation.
- Australian Border Force - How to Import Goods - Customs requirements and import-clearance guidance.
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - How to Import Goods Into Australia - Biosecurity conditions, packaging and preparation requirements.
- 1. Quick Overview
- 2. Australia’s International Trade at a Glance
- 3. What Does Australia Export?Australia’s Main Exports in 2025Iron Ore and Mineral ResourcesCoal and Natural GasGold and Precious MetalsBeef, Wheat and Agricultural ProductsEducation and Travel Services
- 4. Where Does Australia Export To?Australia’s Top Export Markets in 2025ChinaJapan and South KoreaUnited StatesIndia
- 5. What Does Australia Import?Australia’s Main Imports in 2025
- 6. Australia’s Main Physical Goods ImportsRefined PetroleumPassenger Vehicles and Commercial VehiclesTelecommunications Equipment and ComputersMedicines and Pharmaceutical ProductsMachinery, Furniture and Consumer Goods
- 7. Where Does Australia Import From?Australia’s Top Import Sources in 2025Imports From ChinaImports From the United StatesImports From Japan, Thailand and South KoreaImports From Singapore and Malaysia
- 8. Australia’s Trade With the United States
- 9. Latest Australian Trade Trends in 2026
- 10. How Australia’s Trade Profile Affects Freight ShippingBulk and Specialist ShippingFCL ShippingLCL ShippingAir Freight
- 11. References
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