Paydirt: Exports top $40 billion

Media Release
Released
22/07/2021

A record $13.3 billion merchandise trade surplus was reported in June 2021, according to preliminary trade data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Head of International Statistics at the ABS Andrew Tomadini said: “June 2021 recorded a monthly export value above $40 billion. Exports increased 8 per cent to $41.3 billion, with significant increases in metalliferous ores, coal, non-monetary gold, and gas”.

Exports of metalliferous ores reached a record $20.5 billion, making up almost half of Australia’s total export in June. Driving the increase was iron ore, with a record export value of $17.6 billion, and copper ore which recorded $847 million in export value this month. 

Imports increased $2.1 billion, or 8 per cent in June, driven by petroleum up $1.1 billion. Diesel imports were the largest contributor to the petroleum increase, up 45 per cent. Road vehicle imports also increased $852 million, to a record a value of $4.2 billion.  

The ABS would like to thank all those who contributed to this data.

Media notes

  • The estimates in this publication are on an original, current price (merchandise trade) basis only, not a Balance of Payments (BoP) basis. This means that the data is on a customs basis, whereas BoP data are derived from the customs data by applying adjustments for factors such as valuation, coverage, timing and residence. The official monthly estimate for June will be published on 5 August 2021 in International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia.
  • When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
  • For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Media Team via media@abs.gov.au (8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri).
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