Introduction
This publication presents preliminary monthly statistics on Australia's international trade in merchandise (goods) on an original, current price, merchandise trade basis only. Final estimates are released approximately 2 weeks after this publication in International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia (cat. no. 5368.0).
Goods statistics presented on a merchandise trade basis are compiled from information submitted by exporters and importers (or their agents) to the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs), whereas Balance of Payments (BoP) basis refers to statistics that are derived from this same data but have adjustments applied for factors such as valuation, coverage, timing and residence, as required by the Australian System of National Accounts.
More comprehensive estimates of Australia’s trade in both goods and services (including on a BoP basis data) are included in the monthly publication, International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia (cat. no. 5368.0); and quarterly in publication, Balance of Payments and International Investment Position, Australia (cat. no. 5302.0). Detailed monthly statistics on merchandise trade are available in time series spreadsheets on the ABS website in those publications and on ABS.stat, or by subscription to tailored services.
A complete list of other publications that contain trade data or supporting information about trade data can be seen below under Related products and publications.
Australia’s statistical territory
Australia uses import and export customs declarations collated by the Department of Home Affairs as the primary source for compiling goods trade statistics. The jurisdiction of the Department of Home Affairs does not extend to goods exported and imported by Norfolk Island, Heard Island, McDonald Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, the Australian Antarctic Territory or Australia's territorial enclaves abroad. As a result, these areas are excluded from the statistical territory covered by Australia's international goods trade statistics. More detailed information on Australia’s statistical territory can be found in International Merchandise Trade, Australia: Concepts, Sources and Methods (cat. no. 5489.0).
Accuracy, reliability and revisions
Caution should be exercised in the interpretation and use of the preliminary data in this publication as they may be different to the final estimates.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the estimates, data are preliminary, and most series are still subject to revision as more complete and accurate information becomes available. Each month goods trade statistics are revised for the previous six months to incorporate the latest available data.
Rounding
Where figures have been rounded, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items and totals.
ABS data available
More detailed international merchandise trade data including, detailed commodity, country and state data and seasonally adjusted data, data on a balance of payments basis and forward seasonal factors are available as time series spreadsheets or data cubes in publication International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia (cat. no. 5368.0) and/or on ABS.stat on the ABS website.
International merchandise trade data by commodity, country and state that are not on the ABS website may be available on request. Inquiries should be made through the ABS Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or the Information Consultancy link on the ABS website. The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.