Australia has long held a strong position in the global trade arena, backed by its abundant natural resources, advanced agriculture sector, and a flourishing services industry. In 2025, the export landscape continues to be led by mining and energy commodities, while critical minerals and agriculture are gaining increasing traction. The nation's ability to meet global demand with high-quality goods and services places it among the world’s most prominent exporters.
Australia’s economy relies significantly on global trade. In 2023, the country recorded approximately $374 billion in total exports, making it the 20th largest exporter globally. The trade sector contributes nearly 45% to Australia’s GDP, and around one in five Australian jobs are directly linked to trade-related activities.
While Australia's biggest exports remain rooted in the mining and energy sector, there has been noticeable growth in critical minerals, agri-based products, and premium services like education. Importantly, China, Japan, and South Korea continue to be Australia biggest trading partners, together accounting for over half of the country’s export revenue.
According to the latest Australia export products data, the total export value in 2023 was $370.9 billion, marking a slight decrease of 8% from the previous year. Despite this dip, Australia continues to dominate global markets for several key commodities-
Let’s delve deeper into ****Australia's biggest exports ****and how they are shaping the trade outlook for 2025.
Valued at nearly $119.9 billion, iron ore is by far Australia’s biggest export. The ore is primarily exported to Asia, particularly to steel-producing nations like China and Japan. Continued investments in infrastructure across developing nations and consistent demand for steel have ensured stable prices and robust demand. Australia’s supply chains are among the most reliable globally, helping it maintain dominance in this sector.
Accounting for $77.1 billion in exports, coal remains one of the top export products of Australia. Despite global conversations around decarbonization, coal both thermal and metallurgical—continues to be indispensable, especially for countries still dependent on conventional power sources and steel manufacturing. Australia's coal is favored for its quality and availability.
With exports reaching $76.8 billion, oil and gas particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) are crucial components of Australia's biggest exports. Massive offshore and onshore energy projects support this sector. Australia supplies LNG primarily to China, South Korea, and Japan, catering to their expanding energy demands.