FX.co ★ Australia Posts Smalest Trade Surplus Since 2018

Australia's trade surplus for goods contracted significantly in August 2025 to AUD 1.83 billion, a notable decrease from the revised figure of AUD 6.61 billion recorded in July, and falling short of market forecasts of AUD 6.2 billion. This figure represents the smallest surplus experienced since June 2018, predominantly due to a substantial drop in exports. Exports fell sharply by 7.8% compared to the previous month, reaching a three-month low of AUD 41.86 billion for August 2025, after a downwardly revised increase of 2.5% in July. A major factor in this decrease was a steep 44.3% decline in shipments to the United States, largely as a result of newly implemented US tariffs. On the other hand, imports increased by 3.2%, reaching an all-time high of AUD 40.03 billion, rebounding from a 2.4% decrease in the previous month.