IN FOCUS
Strong Trade Surplus in September
Australia’s trade surplus was $1.5 billion in September, the second highest trade surplus on record. This was primarily driven by a rise in resources exports.
Coal exports were up by 14 per cent or $626 million. Metal ores and mineral exports were up by 19 per cent or $941 billion because of higher volumes and a 10 per cent rise in Australian dollar prices for iron ore.
Overall, Australian exports increased 8 per cent in September to $26.5 billion. Imports rose 7 per cent to $25 billion, led by higher fuel imports.
Further information
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DFAT Submissions
- DFAT Submission to the National Aviation Policy Statement
- DFAT Submission to the Review of Australia's Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry (pdf)
- DFAT Submission to the Review of the National Innovation System (pdf)
- DFAT Submission to the Review of Australia's Automotive Industry 2008 (pdf)
Seeking Submissions
- DFAT is seeking submissions on Australia's possible participation in a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
- Do you have a view on the proposed Australia-India Free Trade Agreement?
- Theft of intellectual property is a growing problem in world trade. A new standard of intellectual property (IP) enforcement to combat the high levels of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods worldwide is being proposed.
More information on Australia's trade performance
Trade balance seasonally adjusted
September 2008
