Australia’s goods trade surplus widened to AUD 5.69 billion in February 2026, up from a downwardly revised AUD 2.58 billion in January and exceeding market expectations of an AUD 2.6 billion surplus. This was the largest surplus since July 2025, driven by rising exports and falling imports.
Exports increased by 4.9% from the previous month to AUD 45.65 billion, a four-month high, rebounding from an upwardly revised 1.6% decline in January. The expansion in exports was led by rural goods, which climbed 13.9% to AUD 7.35 billion, with a particularly strong rise in meat and meat preparations (26.8%).
Imports fell 3.2% to AUD 39.96 billion, the lowest level in seven months, reversing an upwardly revised 1.0% gain in January. The decline reflected softening domestic demand and heightened uncertainty in global trade flows amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
