Australia Imports Notch Record High

Australia’s goods imports edged down 0.2% month-over-month to AUD 46.76 billion in June 2026, shifting from a downwardly revised 0.9% growth in the prior month, as softer domestic demand and weaker business spending weighed on purchase activity. Imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods fell 0.6% to AUD 19.81 billion, dragged down by lower purchases of fuels and lubricants (-11.9%) and organic and inorganic chemicals (-12.8%), reflecting weaker industrial demand and lower energy-related imports. Capital goods imports declined 4.5% to AUD 10.66 billion, weighed by ADP equipment (-24.3%), industrial transport equipment (-15.3%), and telecommunication equipment (-9.3%). Meanwhile, consumption goods imports slipped 0.8% to AUD 13.10 billion, led by declines in non-industrial transport equipment (-5.9%), food and beverages mainly for consumption (-4.2%), and textiles, clothing and footwear (-0.7%). In contrast, imports of non-monetary gold surged 35.6% to AUD 2.40 billion.

Australia’s goods imports rose 2.6% month-over-month to a fresh record of AUD 46.63 billion in May 2026, picking up from a downwardly revised 0.2% gain in the prior month amid resilient domestic demand. Imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods grew 0.3% to AUD 20.72 billion, supported by higher purchases of processed industrial supplies n.e.s. (3.8%) and fuels and lubricants (0.5%), as elevated energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict lifted import values. In addition, capital goods imports climbed 8.2% to AUD 10.86 billion, driven by civil aircraft and confidentialised items (164.1%), industrial transport equipment n.e.s. (4.2%), machinery and industrial equipment (1.8%), and other capital goods (1.6%). Consumption goods imports increased 7.9% to AUD 13.29 billion, led by non-industrial transport equipment (24.6%) and textiles, clothing and footwear (12.4%). In contrast, imports of non-monetary gold plunged 27.9% to AUD 1.77 billion.

Australia’s goods imports rose 0.8% month-over-month in April 2026, easing sharply from a downwardly revised 12.2% surge in the previous month as domestic demand moderated and businesses scaled back purchases following March’s strong increase. Despite the slower pace of growth, imports climbed to a fresh record high of AUD 45.44 billion. Purchases of intermediate and other merchandise goods jumped 15.0% to AUD 20.63 billion, driven by fuels and lubricants (41.4%) amid higher prices linked to the Middle East conflict, and other parts for capital goods (5.8%). In contrast, imports of capital goods fell 16.4% to AUD 9.99 billion, weighed by ADP equipment (-41.7%), telecommunications equipment (-18.0%), and machinery and industrial equipment (-2.3%). Also, arrivals of consumption goods dropped 1.6% to AUD 12.33 billion, dragged down by textiles, clothing and footwear (-14.8%), and consumption goods n.e.s. (-4.8%). Separately, non-monetary gold imports were 6.5% lower to AUD 2.45 billion.