Latest News Stream - Imports

Australia’s goods imports fell 3.3% month-over-month to AUD 45.61 billion in September 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 6.2% surge in the previous month. The decline was broad-based, led by weaker purchases of capital and consumption goods. Capital goods imports dropped 2.5% to AUD 12.89 billion, weighed by civil aircraft and confidentialised items (-33.7%), machinery and industrial equipment (-3.7%), and telecommunications equipment (-1.4%). Consumption goods imports also declined 2.2% to AUD 12.54 billion, reflecting lower imports of non-industrial transport equipment (-4.0%), food and beverages (-3.6%), and other consumption goods n.e.s. (-0.4%). Meanwhile, non-monetary gold imports plunged 34.7% to AUD 2.06 billion. In contrast, intermediate and other merchandise goods imports edged up 0.9% to AUD 18.12 billion, supported by higher purchases of fuels and lubricants (2.3%), parts for transport equipment (2.3%), and processed industrial supplies n.e.s. (0.8%).

Canada’s goods imports fell 0.3% to C$73.2 billion in September 2026, following a 2.2% decline in August. Motor vehicle and parts imports dropped 9.1%, after falling 9.3% in August, as imports of passenger cars and light trucks declined 13.2%. Consumer goods imports also decreased 2.9%, mainly due to an 18.3% drop in miscellaneous goods and supplies, alongside lower imports of battery energy storage systems from China. These declines were largely offset by a 10.3% surge in electronic and electrical equipment and parts, which reached a record high. Computer and peripheral imports jumped 29.4%, driven by higher purchases of processing units from the US, while communication, audio and video equipment imports rose 5%, mainly on increased cell phone shipments from China and the US.

US imports rose by $5.2 billion, or 1.2%, to a record $426.6 billion in September 2026, reflecting stronger demand for goods and services. Goods imports increased by $4.4 billion to $346.9 billion, with capital goods accounting for much of the advance, rising $11.6 billion. Within this category, computer imports climbed $7.6 billion and computer accessories increased $5.7 billion, while semiconductor imports fell $1.2 billion. Consumer goods imports also rose by $2.4 billion, driven largely by a $2.9 billion increase in pharmaceutical preparations. These gains were partly offset by a $3.7 billion decline in industrial supplies and materials, including lower imports of nonmonetary gold and crude oil. Services imports increased by $0.8 billion to $79.7 billion, supported by higher travel and transport spending. Overall, US imports have risen by $204.9 billion, or 6.2%, year-to-date, highlighting sustained demand for foreign goods and services.

Imports to New Zealand rose 17.7% year-on-year to NZD 8.44 billion in September 2026, following a downwardly revised 13.2% increase in the previous month. Higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (95.8%), electrical machinery and equipment (25.7%), and mechanical machinery and equipment (9.0%) drove the increase. Meanwhile, purchases fell for vehicles, parts, and accessories (-0.2%), fertilisers (-8.3%), essential oils, perfumes, and toiletries (-3.5%), and aircraft and parts (-21.6%). By source, imports from China grew 26.1%, while those from Australia and South Korea rose 10.6% and 23.6%, respectively, but imports from the US fell 8.3%. Purchases also declined from Germany (-3.1%), Thailand (-9.9%), the UK (-19.6%), and Italy (-12.7%).

Germany’s imports rose 0.9% month-on-month to EUR 118.1 billion in August 2026, below market expectations of a 2.8% gain but rebounding from a downwardly revised 5.5% decline in the previous month. Imports from third countries increased 2.2% from a month earlier to EUR 58.8 billion, driven mainly by an 11% rise in purchases from China, while imports from the US fell 0.5% and those from the UK declined 3.8%. Meanwhile, imports from EU member states fell 0.4% to EUR 59.3 billion, dragged down by declines in imports from both eurozone countries, which fell 0.3%, and EU countries outside the eurozone, which dropped 0.7%. On a yearly basis, total imports grew 6%, accelerating from an upwardly revised 3.2% increase in the previous month. In the first eight months of the year, Germany’s total imports reached EUR 946.7 billion, up 4.4% from the corresponding period a year earlier.

US imports surged $17.2 billion to an all-time high of $420.8 billion in August 2026, contributing to a widening in the trade deficit to $105.6 billion from a revised $92.8 billion in July. The increase was led by a $9.1 billion rise in industrial supplies and materials, mainly crude oil and nonmonetary gold, while capital goods imports rose $6.2 billion on stronger purchases of semiconductors and other industrial machinery. These gains more than offset a decline in computer accessories. Services imports were broadly unchanged, as higher transport imports offset declines in charges for the use of intellectual property and travel.

Canada’s goods imports fell 2% month over month to C$73.7 billion in August 2026, marking the first decline since January and falling from record levels in July. Despite the overall decrease, six of 11 product sections recorded gains. Imports of motor vehicles and parts fell 8.8%, while passenger cars and light trucks dropped 15.4% after reaching an all-time high in July due to shorter seasonal production stoppages in the US. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products declined 7.0%, led by a 40% drop in unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys, reflecting lower purchases of gold held in Canada by US residents. Imports of metal ores and non-metallic minerals fell 15.5% to their lowest level since November 2025, led by a 17.1% decline in other metal ores and concentrates. Lower imports of lead and zinc ores from Australia and Peru, as well as gold, silver and platinum group metal ores from Brazil, Peru and Mauritania, contributed to the decline.

Australia’s goods imports surged 5.8% month-over-month to a new high of AUD 46.94 billion in August 2026, reversing a marginally revised 2.4% decline in the previous month. The solid upturn was driven primarily by stronger capital goods imports and a sharp rise in non-monetary gold purchases. Purchases of capital goods jumped 22.3% to AUD 13.21 billion, boosted by ADP equipment (79.3%), civil aircraft and confidentialised items (29.8%), telecommunication equipment (12.0%), and machinery and industrial equipment (2.4%). Imports of non-monetary gold also soared 91.1% to AUD 3.16 billion. In contrast, imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods fell 2.2% to AUD 17.81 billion, dragged down by lower purchases of fuels and lubricants (-5.0%) and processed industrial supplies n.e.s. (-3.7%). Consumption goods imports also declined 7.0% to AUD 12.76 billion, weighed down by non-industrial transport equipment (-21.2%) and consumption goods n.e.s. (-3.5%).

Imports to New Zealand rose 13.1% year-on-year to NZD 8.0 billion in August 2026, following a 28.4% jump in the previous month. The increase in imports was mainly driven by higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (up 42.7%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (up 30.2%), electrical machinery and equipment (up 25.4%), and mechanical machinery and equipment (up 14.7%). Meanwhile, purchases fell for aircraft and parts (-76.2%), fertilisers (-48.5%), railway (-71%), and food residues, wastes, and fodder (-24.3%). By source, imports advanced from China (29.0%), Australia (6.5%), South Korea (88.1%), and the EU (16.5%), while imports from the US fell 8.9%. Purchases also declined from Singapore (-11.9%), Germany (-0.6%), the UK (-28.8%), and Thailand (-4.9%).

Germany’s imports fell 5.7% month-on-month to €119.6 billion in July 2026, reversing an upwardly revised 4.5% increase in the previous month. Imports from EU member states declined 6.1%, driven by lower purchases from eurozone countries, which fell 6.5%, and EU countries outside the eurozone, which dropped 5.1%. Imports from third countries also contracted 5.3%, led by declines in shipments from China, which fell 7.5%, the US, which decreased 8.2%, and the UK, which dropped 1%. On a yearly basis, imports rose 3.1%, slowing sharply from a downwardly revised 14% gain in June. In the first seven months of 2026, imports reached €828.4 billion, up 4.2% from the same period a year earlier.

Canada’s goods imports rose 2.2% month-over-month to C$75.4 billion in July 2026, marking a sixth consecutive monthly increase. Gains were recorded in six of the 11 product sections. Imports of motor vehicles and parts rose 11.4% to a record high, as seasonal shutdowns at North American auto plants for retooling, maintenance and summer holidays were less pronounced this year, particularly in the US. As a result, imports of passenger cars and light trucks surged 19.8%. Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products increased 9.3%, led by a 49.7% jump in basic and semi-finished non-ferrous metals and alloys, reflecting higher shipments of copper anodes from Chile. Imports of unwrought gold, silver and platinum group metals and their alloys also rose 14.6%. Several sections posted declines, moderating the overall increase, including energy products (-8.2%), electronic and electrical equipment and parts (-3.3%), and aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-8.1%).

Imports to the United States rose 2.8% month-over-month to $399.3 billion in July 2026, the largest since a record of $416.35 billion in March 2025. Purchases rose for computers ($6.9 billion), computer accessories ($6.6 billion) and semiconductors ($1.2 billion) while a fall was seen for crude oil ($-1.8 billion) and charges for the use of intellectual property ($-0.5 billion). Imports came mostly from Mexico ($60 billion), the European Union ($45.4 billion), Canada ($25.6 billion) and China ($25.6 billion).

Australia’s goods imports fell 2.5% month-over-month to a five-month low of AUD 44.34 billion in July 2026, steeper than a revised 0.7% decline in the previous month amid sluggish domestic demand and soft business spending. Imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods plunged 7.8% to AUD 18.28 billion, dragged down by lower purchases of fuels and lubricants (-12.3%), processed industrial supplies n.e.s. (-4.7%), and other parts for capital goods (-1.7%). Also, purchases of non-monetary gold tumbled 31.1% to AUD 1.65 billion. In contrast, capital goods imports jumped 6.7% to AUD 10.74 billion, boosted by ADP equipment (50.4%), industrial transport equipment (7.6%), and civil aircraft and confidentialised items (16.6%). Meanwhile,  consumption goods imports increased 3.5% to AUD 13.67 billion, lifted by non-industrial transport equipment (8.2%), food and beverages mainly for consumption (3.6%), and consumption goods n.e.s. (2.8%).

Imports in Turkey increased 5.1% year-on-year to USD 33.0 billion in July 2026, driven by an 11.8% rise in intermediate goods, while capital goods (-11.5%) and consumer goods (-1.3%) declined. The top import sources were China (15.3%), Russia (9.8%), Germany (7.6%), the US (5.7%), and Italy (4.7%). In the first seven months of the year, imports rose 4.7% to USD 222.09 billion.

Imports to New Zealand surged 28.4% year-on-year to a record high of NZD 9.34 billion in July 2026, following a downwardly revised 27.5% jump in the previous month. The surge in import growth was mainly driven by higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (up 127.2%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (37.5%), fertiliser (103.0%), and food residues, wastes, and fodder (105.2%). Meanwhile, purchases declined for aircraft and parts (-29.4%), cocoa and cocoa preparations (-21.5%), and pharmaceutical products (-5.1%). By source, imports advanced from China (21.2%), Australia (12.9%), South Korea (18.3%), and the EU (19%). By contrast, purchases fell from the US (-1.7%), Canada (-47.4%), and Mexico (-23.8%).

Germany’s imports climbed 4.4% month-on-month to €123.9 billion in June 2026, the highest level since November 2022, shifting from a marginally revised 2.6% decline in the previous month and easily surpassing market expectations for a 1.0% increase. Imports from EU member states surged 7.4%, driven by a 7.5% rise in purchases from euro-area countries and a 7.3% increase from non-euro-area EU members. Meanwhile, imports from non-EU countries grew 1.4%, supported by a 9.0% jump in shipments from China, despite a sharp 9.6% decline in purchases from the U.S. and a 16.7% drop in imports from the United Kingdom. On an annual basis, total imports rose 14.0%, accelerating from May's 1.5% gain. In the first half of 2026, imports increased 4.4% from the same period a year earlier to €711.6 billion.

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.

US imports fell by $7.3 billion, or 1.8%, from the prior month to $388 billion in June 2026, marking the first drop since January. Imports of goods decreased $7.9 billion to $309.0 billion in June, with Census-basis imports falling by $7.7 billion. The drop mainly reflected lower purchases of capital goods (-$2.1 billion), particularly computers (-$3.0 billion), and consumer goods (-$2.1 billion), mainly pharmaceutical preparations (-$1.9 billion). These declines were partly offset by a $1.1 billion increase in telecommunications equipment imports. Meanwhile, services imports rose by $0.6 billion to $79.0 billion, led by higher charges for the use of intellectual property (+$0.7 billion), transport (+$0.2 billion), and insurance services (+$0.1 billion), partly offset by a decline in travel (-$0.4 billion).

Canada's goods imports rose 0.2% month over month to a record C$73.6 billion in June 2026, despite declines in 9 of the 11 major product categories. The increase was driven by an 11.7% jump in electronic and electrical equipment and parts, as imports of computers and computer peripherals surged 59% to a record high, largely reflecting higher purchases of processing units from the US. The gain more than offset declines in industrial machinery, equipment and parts (-3.3%), consumer goods (-1.3%), and metal ores and non-metallic minerals (-3.4%). Excluding electronic and electrical equipment and parts, total imports fell 1.3% in June.

Imports to New Zealand surged 27.8% year-on-year to NZD 8.07 billion in June 2026, following a 25.9% rise in the previous month. The surge in import growth was mainly driven by higher purchases of petroleum and petroleum products (up 99.7%), mechanical machinery and equipment (22.5%), vehicles, parts, and accessories (11.5%), electrical machinery and equipment (35.8%), and optical, medical, and measuring equipment (9.6%). Meanwhile, purchases fell for food residues, wastes, and fodder (-39.2%) and precious metals, jewellery, and coins (-13.5%). By source, imports increased from China (32.1%), Australia (23.5%), South Korea (41.2%), Japan (33.7%), Singapore (127.4%), and the EU (23.5%). By contrast, purchases dropped from the US (-7.0%), the UK (-8.9%), and Indonesia (-23.4%).