Industry profits steady in 2022-23

Media Release
Released
31/05/2024

Businesses were able to keep overall operating profits steady in 2022-23, according to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics, said: “Operating profit results were mixed at an industry level as many businesses faced the challenge of higher input costs in 2022-23.

“This annual data for 2022-23 adds more detail and nuance to our understanding of how businesses responded to a range of economic challenges.

“Businesses experienced a mix of conditions including higher input costs, increased demand due to higher migration and a rise in non-discretionary spending due to the end of COVID-19 restrictions. This data shows how businesses have performed and that in some cases, businesses were able to pass on higher costs to consumers.”

Industries benefitting from these factors, those showing operating profit growth, included the Retail industry ($5.2b), Wholesale industry ($6b), Transport ($4.2b), and Accommodation and Food Services ($2.2b).

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s actions to reduce inflation by raising the cash rate (from 0.35 per cent to 4.10 per cent over the 2022-23 financial year) led to large negative revaluations and operating profit declines in the Rental, hiring and real estate services industry ($45.5b). 

The Mining industry had the largest growth in operating profit ($57.2b). Shortages in energy commodities in Europe and strong demand in Asian markets through 2022 benefitted Coal mining, as well as Oil and gas extraction.

Have your say on changes to Australian Industry data

The ABS is consulting with users of this data release around planned changes. Submit your views through a short survey on the ABS Consultation Hub. Outcomes from this consultation may include changes to the content or format of future releases of Australian Industry.

The ABS would like to thank businesses for their continued support in responding to our surveys.

Media notes

•    The reference period for this collection was, in general, the 12 months ending 30 June 2023. Where businesses were unable to supply information on this basis, an accounting period for which data can be provided was used. 
•    All figures in this media release are in current prices.
•    All figures relate to industries in scope of the Australian Industry publication.
•    When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
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