Australia’s export performance weakened at the start of 2026, with data showing a month-over-month decline in January. According to figures updated on 5 March 2026, exports fell by 0.9% in January 2026 compared to the previous month. This marks a reversal from December 2025, when exports had grown by 0.9% month-over-month.
The data, measured on a month-over-month basis, highlight a shift in momentum: while December’s reading reflected an expansion in outbound trade relative to November, January’s negative print indicates that export activity has cooled. The contrast suggests that external demand or pricing conditions may have softened at the turn of the year, putting pressure on Australia’s trade performance as 2026 gets underway.
