2026.04.0200:40:46UTC+00Australia Imports Slip to 7-Month Low

Australia’s goods imports fell 3.2% month-on-month to AUD 39.96 billion in February 2026, the lowest level in seven months, reversing a revised 1.0% increase in January. The decline reflected softer domestic demand and heightened uncertainty in global trade flows amid ongoing geopolitical risks. Capital goods purchases dropped 8.1% to AUD 9.28 billion, driven by steep falls in ADP equipment (-32.8%), civil aircraft and confidentialised items (-17.9%), and capital goods n.e.s. (-13.1%). Non-monetary gold imports also slumped 41.3% to AUD 1.94 billion.

By contrast, imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods rose 3.1% to AUD 16.32 billion, supported by higher inflows of processed industrial supplies n.e.s. (10.9%), parts for transport equipment (10.4%), and other parts for capital goods (0.1%). Meanwhile, consumption goods imports increased 3.4%, driven by higher purchases of consumption goods n.e.s. (5.1%), non-industrial transport equipment (1.1%), textiles, clothing and footwear (1.1%), and food and beverages (4.9%).