Australia’s import price index fell by 1.1% in the third quarter of 2026, marking a sharp reversal from the strong 5.7% increase recorded in the previous quarter. The latest data, updated on 29 October 2026, highlight a significant quarter-over-quarter shift in external price pressures facing the Australian economy.
The second quarter of 2026 had seen import prices jump 5.7% compared with the first quarter, but that momentum has now unwound, with the third quarter showing a negative quarter-over-quarter change. Under the comparison framework used, the “actual” figure reflects the change in Q3 2026 relative to Q2 2026, while the “previous” figure reflects the Q2 2026 change relative to Q1 2026.
The move from a strong positive reading to a decline suggests imported inflationary pressures eased notably in the third quarter, which could have implications for firms’ input costs and, indirectly, for broader price dynamics in the Australian economy.
