| Mar-21 ($m) | Apr-21 ($m) | May-21 ($m) | Apr-21 to May-21 ($m) | Apr-21 to May-21 (%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on goods and services | 6 003 | 8 157 | 9 681 | 1 524 | na | |
| Credits (Exports of goods & services) | 38 502 | 39 790 | 42 233 | 2 443 | 6 | |
| Debits (Imports of goods & services) | -32 499 | -31 633 | -32 552 | 919 | 3 | |
na not applicable
COVID-19
Suspension of trend estimates
The trend series attempts to measure underlying behaviour in international trade activity. In the short term, this measurement will be significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes to regular patterns in international trade resulting from it. If the trend estimates in this publication were to be calculated without fully accounting for this unusual event they would provide a misleading view of underlying international trade activity.
It may be some time before the underlying trend in international trade activity can be accurately estimated. The trend series has therefore been suspended from March 2019 and will be reinstated when more certainty emerges.
Seasonal adjustment and COVID-19
International Accounts uses the concurrent seasonal adjustment method, meaning that seasonal factors are re-estimated each time new data becomes available. If not appropriately accounted for, unusual events such as COVID-19 can distort estimates calculated using this method. From March 2020, seasonal factors for series that have been notably impacted by COVID-19 will be calculated using data up to and including February 2020, then projected from March 2020 onwards. This approach, known as the forward factor method, ensures that seasonal factors are not distorted by COVID-19 impacts.
The ABS has advised users that it moved to using forward factors for seasonal analysis of a number of series, including Travel Services. Current ABS (and international) practice requires at least three years of data to assess whether a change in seasonal pattern has occurred. Should COVID-19 result in a long-term change to the seasonal pattern then revisions to these series may occur in the future. The ABS will consult with users on any future methods changes to seasonal adjustment and potential revisions. The Feature Article International Travel Services time series outlines the matter in greater detail.
Cessation of International Merchandise Trade, Preliminary, Australia
The release of preliminary data on Australia's international trade in goods on an original, current price, merchandise trade basis, will be discontinued with the June 2021 release, to be published on 22 July 2021. For more information, see Changes to ABS statistical work program. International merchandise trade data will continue to be available monthly in International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia.
Balance on goods and services
In seasonally adjusted terms, the balance on goods and services was a surplus of $9,681m in May 2021, an increase of $1,524m on the surplus in April 2021.
| Mar-21 ($m) | Apr-21 ($m) | May-21 ($m) | Apr-21 to May-21 ($m) | Apr-21 to May-21 (%) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance on goods and services | 6 003 | 8 157 | 9 681 | 1 524 | na | ||
| Total goods and services credits | 38 502 | 39 790 | 42 233 | 2 443 | 6 | ||
| Total goods credits | 33 695 | 35 030 | 37 248 | 2 218 | 6 | ||
| Total services credits | 4 807 | 4 760 | 4 985 | 225 | 5 | ||
| Total goods and services debits | -32 499 | -31 633 | -32 552 | 919 | 3 | ||
| Total goods debits | -28 480 | -27 485 | -28 212 | 727 | 3 | ||
| Total services debits | -4 019 | -4 148 | -4 340 | 192 | 5 | ||
na not applicable
(a) For sign conventions, see the Explanatory notes.