- 15 December 2025
Australia’s Trade Snapshot: Imports vs Exports
As 2025 quickly comes to a close, it’s a good time to look at how Australia’s trade is tracking. With three quarters of data now available, we can see clear trends in what Australia is importing and exporting.
How is Australia’s trade tracking as 2025 ends?
Australia continues to bring in far more goods than it sends out. Our imports are more than double our exports, showing how much we rely on products from overseas.
Have there been any recent changes in trade volumes?
By the end of September:
- Exports increased slightly, up 30,000 containers (TEU), about 2.13% compared to last year.
- Imports dropped by 31,000 containers (TEU), about 1.09% year-on-year.
How does this trade compare in 2025 to 2024?
Last year, imports surged by over 10%, reaching 3.8 million containers (TEU), even higher than during the COVID years. This year, imports have eased slightly (down about 1%), but we’re still bringing in huge volumes.
Where are most of Australia’s imports coming from?
- Asia is key: North and Southeast Asia combined sent 90,000 more containers to Australia by the end of Quarter 3.
- China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan account for 50% of all container imports and that share grew by 5% this year.
What global factors are influencing these trends?
Some of these trends may be linked to disruptions in the China–USA trade route, where companies rushed shipments to avoid higher tariffs. Forecasts suggest strong trade between China and Europe in 2026, and Australia may follow similar patterns.
Imports from North America and Europe have fallen this year, possibly due to U.S. trade issues.
How is Australia’s trade with New Zealand performing?
Trade with New Zealand has been steady, with only a slight dip in container movements.
What do the changes in trade mean for Australian businesses?
Supply Chain Strategy
The slight decline in imports and rise in exports suggests businesses may need to rethink inventory planning. If imports continue to ease, companies relying heavily on overseas goods might face longer lead times or need to diversify suppliers.
Export Opportunities
The uptick in exports is a positive sign for Australian producers. If this trend continues, businesses that manufacture locally could find new markets opening, especially in Asia-Pacific regions.
Global Trade Dynamics
Disruptions in the China–USA trade lane and tariff changes are reshaping global flows. Australian businesses that understand these shifts can position themselves to take advantage of changing demand patterns, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Risk Management
With trade volumes fluctuating, businesses should prepare for volatility in freight rates and capacity. Strategic planning now can help avoid costly surprises in 2026.
Australia’s trade patterns are shifting, imports are slowing slightly while exports are gaining ground. These changes affect costs, supply options and growth opportunities. Businesses that adapt now can secure better sourcing, reduce risk and tap into new markets. Mainfreight’s global reach and local expertise make it easier to navigate these changes, plan smarter, and keep your supply chain moving.
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