Top 10 Imports and Exports in Australia

Australia’s trade is shifting, driven by evolving supply chains and emerging trade agreements. For importers, exporters, and logistics professionals, staying across these changes is vital to remain competitive.

This guide uses the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to outline the nation’s top 10 imports and exports by value. It provides practical insights to help businesses plan smarter, optimise freight strategies, and stay competitive in a fast-changing trade environment.

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What Are Australia’s Top Imports and Exports?

Australia’s trade profile shows a resource-rich economy that exports minerals and energy and imports vehicles, machinery, and advanced technology. Using the latest 2024–25 figures from the ABS and DFAT, the list below highlights the top imports and exports by value that shape the nation’s economy.

Top 3 Imports (by value):

1. Petroleum Products – $46.8 billion
2. Motor Vehicles & Automotive Parts – $44.4 billion
3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances – $42.3 billion

Top 3 Exports (by value):

1. Iron Ores and Concentrates – $93.5 billion
2. Coal and Coke (Solid Fuels) – $77.5 billion
3. Petroleum Gas (LNG & Related) – $47.8 billion

These figures give businesses a clear snapshot of trade priorities and opportunities in 2025, helping them plan trade and logistics strategies with greater confidence.

Australia’s Top 10 Imports in 2025

Recent ABS and DFAT data show that Australia continues to rely heavily on overseas suppliers for fuel, vehicles, machinery, and medical products. These high-value imports support core sectors like transport, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology.

Below is a ranked list of the country’s top 10 imports in 2025 by trade value, along with key trends shaping demand in each category.

1. Petroleum Products – $46.8 billion

Imported from: Singapore, South Korea, Japan

Imported mainly from Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, refined petroleum products remain Australia’s largest import by value. They are critical for transport, mining, and heavy industry, where alternatives to fossil fuels are still limited.

Although investment in renewable energy is increasing, demand for imported fuels continues to dominate logistics and industrial operations.

2. Motor Vehicles & Automotive Parts – $44.4 billion

Imported from: Japan, Thailand, Germany

Imported mainly from Japan, Thailand, and Germany, motor vehicles and parts are vital for Australia’s transport and logistics sectors. Rising electric vehicle (EV) imports in 2025 are reshaping supply chains and creating greater demand for EV-ready components and servicing infrastructure.

3. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances – $42.3 billion

Imported from: China, Germany, the United States

Australia imports machinery and mechanical appliances primarily from China, Germany, and the United States to support agriculture, logistics, and construction. Demand in 2025 is driven by automation, AI-powered equipment, and major infrastructure investments across the country.

4. Pharmaceutical Products – $18.3 billion

Imported from: United States, Switzerland, Germany

Pharmaceutical products from the US, Switzerland, and Germany remain critical to Australia’s healthcare sector. Growing demand for biotech medicines, chronic disease treatments, and pandemic preparedness measures has strengthened reliance on international suppliers for timely deliveries.

5. Electrical Machinery & Equipment – $16.7 billion

Imported from: China, Japan, South Korea

Electrical machinery and equipment, imported mainly from China, Japan, and South Korea, power Australia’s energy networks, manufacturing plants, and consumer electronics. Demand in 2025 is growing with the rise of smart homes, renewable energy projects, and advanced industrial automation.

6. Computers & Electronic Office Equipment – $14.8 billion

Imported from: China, the United States, and Vietnam

Computers and office electronics, sourced mainly from China, the United States, and Vietnam, are central to Australia’s digital economy. With hybrid work, e‑learning, and cloud systems expanding, businesses are increasing investment in IT hardware and connectivity tools.

7. Mining & Construction Machinery – $11.4 billion

Imported from: United States, Japan, Germany

Mining and construction machinery, from the US, Japan, and Germany, continues to play a crucial role in large-scale resource and infrastructure projects. Demand is rising in 2025 as Australia invests heavily in renewable energy facilities and transport upgrades.

8. Power Automation Products & Electrical Equipment – $9.2 billion

Imported from: Germany, China, Sweden

Power automation products and electrical equipment are key to improving energy efficiency and automating production. The shift to smart factories and renewable energy projects in 2025 is fuelling steady growth in this category.

9. Audio-Visual Electronic Equipment – $8.5 billion

Imported from: China, South Korea, Malaysia

Audio‑visual electronics include televisions, speakers, and educational devices for homes, schools, and workplaces. Growth in remote learning, streaming, and digital collaboration is driving ongoing demand in 2025.

10. Medical & Surgical Equipment – $7.7 billion

Imported from: United States, Germany, Netherlands

Medical and surgical equipment are essential for diagnostics, surgery, and patient care. Demand is increasing with Australia’s ageing population and ongoing healthcare investment, making timely, reliable supply chains critical.

Australia’s Top 10 Exports in 2025

Australia’s latest export goods remain heavily driven by natural resources and agricultural commodities, reflecting the country’s vast mineral wealth and productive farmland. Although diversification efforts are underway, global demand for resources still dominates Australia’s trade profile. 

Resource-hungry economies like China, India, and Japan rely on coal, iron ore, gas, and food to power industrial growth and energy transitions. This makes Australia a key supplier of raw materials essential to global infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing growth.

Here are the top 10 exports by trade value in 2025:

1. Iron Ores and Concentrates – $93.5 billion

Main Export Markets: China, Japan, South Korea

Iron ore remains Australia’s top export by value, driven by Asia’s demand for steel in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Ongoing urbanisation and industrial growth across the region continue to sustain high export volumes.

2. Coal – $77.5 billion

Main Export Markets: India, Japan, South Korea

Coal and its other derivatives (like coke) remain key Australian exports, supplying power generation and steelmaking industries in Asia. Limited domestic reserves in these markets ensure ongoing demand despite the global shift toward renewable energy.

3. Petroleum Gas (LNG and Related) – $47.8 billion

Main Export Markets: China, Japan, South Korea

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are growing as Asian economies transition to cleaner energy sources. LNG is critical for power generation and industrial use, keeping Australia a leading global supplier.

4. Gold (Unwrought) – $25.9 billion

Main Export Markets: Singapore, United Kingdom, China, India

Gold continues to be one of Australia’s most valuable exports, sought after for jewellery, investment, and reserve holdings. Its role as a safe‑haven asset ensures steady global demand.

5. Crude Oil – $7.1 billion

Main Export Markets: Southeast Asia (notably Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)

Crude oil exports supply Southeast Asia’s refineries, where they are processed into fuels and petrochemicals. Regional energy demand and refining capacity keep Australia an important supplier.

6. Aluminium Oxide/Hydroxide (Alumina) – $7.0 billion

Main Export Markets: China, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, other industrial refining hubs

Alumina, the key input for aluminium, is exported for use in construction, automotive manufacturing, and packaging industries. Strong demand in China keeps this resource among Australia’s top exports.

7. Frozen Beef – $6.0 billion

Main Export Markets: Japan, South Korea, United States, China

Australia’s premium beef is prized for its quality and safety standards, making it a key export to Japan, South Korea, and the US. Rising demand for high‑quality protein continues to drive strong trade volumes.

8. Wheat – $5.6 billion

Main Export Markets: Middle East, Southeast Asia, India

Australia’s wheat exports are essential to food security in many parts of Asia and the Middle East. Its consistent quality and large harvests make Australia a preferred supplier in the region.

9. Copper Ores and Concentrates – $4.1 billion

Main Export Markets: South Korea, Philippines, Japan, China

Copper ore exports are rising with the global surge in electronics, renewables, and EV manufacturing. Australia remains a key supplier for Asia’s growing manufacturing and technology sectors. Asian smelters depend on a consistent ore supply to meet industrial and clean energy transition goals.

10. Aluminium (Unwrought) – $3.8 billion

Main Export Markets: China, Japan, South Korea

Unwrought aluminium is a critical material for construction, transport, and manufacturing in Asia. Consistent demand from these industries keeps aluminium among Australia’s top exports.

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FAQs on Australian Imports and Exports

Who are Australia’s biggest trading partners?

Australia’s top trading partners are China, Japan, the United States, South Korea, and India. These countries account for the majority of imports and exports, particularly in sectors such as natural resources, education, agriculture, and manufactured goods.

How is trade data classified (HS Code)?

Trade data is classified using the Harmonised System (HS Code), developed by the World Customs Organisation. Each product is given a globally standardised code used for customs, tariffs, and trade reporting.

How can I ship goods from China to Australia?

To ship from China, you’ll need to choose between air or sea freight, classify goods correctly under HS codes, and comply with Australian Border Force (ABF) regulations. This includes preparing documents like commercial invoices and packing lists.

Plan Your Imports and Exports with Couriers & Freight

Staying informed about Australia’s import and export landscape is key to making smarter logistics and trade decisions. This guide provides a clear snapshot of the nation’s top traded goods, backed by reliable ABS and DFAT data.

Couriers & Freight helps businesses take the next step by simplifying international shipping, from instant quotes to booking, customs clearance, and delivery.

Simplify your global trade journey. Get a free quote today and ship your goods across borders with speed and confidence.

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