According to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI), Australia exports $234 billion in goods, making it the 20th largest exporting economy in the world. As a desert continent, Australia relies heavily on the coastal economy as a source of income to maintain its population.
Australia is also regarded by ECI as the world's 22nd largest importer, with total annual imports of $199 billion. However, this figure is the result of a steady decline in imports over the past five years. In terms of wealth per capita, Australia is the second richest country after Switzerland.
What does Australia export?
Australia's main export is iron ore, followed by coal, gold and oil, the other most valuable exports. These exports alone amounted to $48.2 billion, $47 billion, $29.1 billion and $20.3 billion, respectively. Of course, the country also ships other notable items, including food, wine, and cars.
What does Australia import?
In 2018, Australia imported about $227.3 billion worth of goods from around the world. The country's imports account for only 1.3 percent of total global imports, estimated at around $17.788 trillion. Oil and crude oil and cars appear to be Australia's main imports.
Australia's largest imports alone were valued at about $187.5 billion, equivalent to 82.5% of its total imports. Other notable growth in Australia's imports include furniture, bedding, lighting, signage, prefabricated buildings, plastics and plastic products.
Australia is known for its uninterrupted annual economic growth, growing steadily at around 3% per year. Its strong economy is largely due to deep trade ties with the Asian region and its largest iron ore export, accounting for more than 30% of the world's iron ore supply.
