2026.03.0500:58:04UTC+00Australia Exports Hit 5-Month Low

Australia’s goods exports fell 0.9% month-on-month to a five-month low of AUD 44.06 billion in January 2026, reversing a marginally revised 0.9% gain in December.

Non-rural exports declined 1.7% to AUD 31.28 billion, led by weaker sales of coal, coke and briquettes (-4.4%), likely reflecting softer external demand and price volatility. Exports of other manufactured goods (-2.2%) and machinery (-2.2%) also slipped, indicating subdued industrial activity in key overseas markets. Shipments of metal ores and minerals were down 1.5%, suggesting a moderation in demand from some major trading partners.

Rural exports dropped 5.2% to AUD 6.65 billion, driven by steep falls in other rural goods (-10.2%) and meat and meat preparations (-9.5%), which may have been influenced by seasonal supply patterns and weaker buying interest.

By contrast, exports of non-monetary gold surged 9.0% to AUD 6.08 billion, supported by stronger global demand for safe-haven assets and favorable price movements.