Promote:
Export from Australia
A short guide for companies selling from Australia: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Australia sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$335.8 billion
Australia reported merchandise exports of US$335,841,111,839.77 in 2025 to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$91.5 billion
Services exports were US$91,528.5 million in 2025, in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC trade in services, Australia (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Iron ore (HS 2601)US$78 billion
- 2. Coal (HS 2701)US$41.4 billion
- 3. Natural gas and other petroleum gases (HS 2711)US$39.6 billion
- 4. Gold (HS 7108)US$38.4 billion
- 5. Frozen beef (HS 0202)US$7.64 billion
- 6. Wheat (HS 1001)US$6.37 billion
- 7. Alumina (aluminum oxide) (HS 2818)US$6.37 billion
- 8. Crude oil (HS 2709)US$5.92 billion
Show 12 more products
- 9. Fresh or chilled beef (HS 0201)US$4.44 billion
- 10. Copper ore (HS 2603)US$4.42 billion
- 11. Sheep and goat meat (HS 0204)US$4.17 billion
- 12. Unwrought aluminum (HS 7601)US$3.93 billion
- 13. Refined copper (HS 7403)US$3.93 billion
- 14. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$3.19 billion
- 15. Other mineral substances (HS 2530)US$2.95 billion
- 16. Precious metal ores (HS 2616)US$2.91 billion
- 17. Rapeseed (HS 1205)US$2.8 billion
- 18. Aluminum ore (HS 2606)US$2.3 billion
- 19. Raw cotton (HS 5201)US$2.21 billion
- 20. Barley (HS 1003)US$2.17 billion
- Australia reports no re-export flow (RX) to UN Comtrade for 2025, so the flow X ranking includes re-exports that cannot be separated. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Iron ore, coal, petroleum gases and gold were 58.8 percent of 2025 exports; they are extractive lines and are not suggested in the picker. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- China30.3%
- Japan7.5%
- United States7.4%
- South Korea5.9%
- United Kingdom4.1%
- India3.9%
- Hong Kong2.5%
- New Zealand2.5%
- Comtrade groupings such as Areas, not elsewhere specified are 14.6 percent of 2025 exports; they are in the total and in every share but are not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (iron ore, coal and natural gas and other petroleum gases) make up about 68% of Australia’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Australia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks frozen beef, fresh or chilled beef and sheep and goat meat as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Australia’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Frozen beef grew 31% from 2024 to 2025; fresh or chilled beef grew 28% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
China takes 30.3% of Australia’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Australia exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA)
Gives qualifying Australian goods duty-free entry to New Zealand; an exporter's declaration of origin is accepted.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; five agreements can apply to New Zealand trade.
Source: WTO RTA database, ANZCERTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)
Cuts Singapore's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, SAFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA)
Gives qualifying Australian goods preferential tariffs in the United States; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; a separate Section 301 tariff took effect on July 24, 2026.
Source: WTO RTA database, AUSFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA)
Cuts Thailand's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, TAFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 15 more agreements
Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement (ACl-FTA)
Cuts Chile's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, ACl-FTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)
Cuts tariffs on qualifying Australian goods sold to Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The second protocol applies country by country on set dates, and an authorized body must issue the certificate.
Source: WTO RTA database, AANZFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA)
Cuts Malaysia's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, MAFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA)
Cuts South Korea's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, KAFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA)
Cuts Japan's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, JAEPA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)
Cuts China's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; a declaration of origin is accepted only for goods covered by an advance ruling.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, ChAFTA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Cuts tariffs on qualifying Australian goods sold to Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Exporters use a declaration of origin; the agreement is rules-based and covers only the listed parties.
Source: WTO RTA database, CPTPP card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA)
Locks in duty-free access to Hong Kong for Australian goods; exporters use a declaration of origin.
Rules-based preference; Hong Kong already had few tariffs to remove.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA)
Cuts Peru's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods over time; exporters use a declaration of origin.
Peru phases tariffs down to 2029, so rates differ by year and product.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA)
Cuts Indonesia's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; an authorized body issues the certificate of origin.
Indonesia phases some tariffs down to 2040, so rates differ by year and product.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus)
Cuts tariffs on qualifying Australian goods sold to partner Pacific island countries; exporters use a declaration of origin.
Not yet in force for Nauru; partners phase in cuts, mainly by 2044.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP)
Cuts tariffs on qualifying Australian goods sold to several Asian partners under one set of origin rules.
A declaration of origin is accepted only where New Zealand or Japan imports the goods; other RCEP partners need a certificate.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)
Cuts India's tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; an authorized body issues the certificate of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (A-UKFTA)
Cuts United Kingdom tariffs on qualifying Australian goods; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration of origin.
The United Kingdom phases some cuts to 2033, so rates differ by year and product.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
Cuts tariffs on qualifying Australian goods sold to the United Arab Emirates; exporters may use a certificate or a declaration.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO RTA database, Australia-UAE CEPA card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Australia
- Register for an Australian Business Number, which identifies the business for tax and other dealings with government.Australian Taxation Office (Australian Business Register)Free of chargeOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: business.gov.au, register for an Australian Business Number (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Check the Australian Border Force's list of prohibited and controlled exports, and whether an export permit is needed.Australian Border ForceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Australian Border Force, export requirements, May 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 4, 2026
- For meat, plants, fish, wood and other prescribed goods, obtain an export certificate under the Export Control Act 2020.Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
- If military or dual-use goods or technology are on the strategic goods list, get a permit before you export or supply them.Department of DefenceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
Show 5 more export steps
- Screen buyers, goods and destinations against Australian sanctions; trade a sanction covers needs a permit through the Australian Sanctions Office.Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian Sanctions Office)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Australia, Secretariat report, January 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 15, 2025
- Check the importing market's standards, and use testing bodies accredited by the national accreditation body where a buyer asks for results.National Association of Testing Authorities, AustraliaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: NATA, organization overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Register with an authorized issuing body and apply for a certificate of origin, or complete a declaration of origin where the agreement allows it.Australian Industry GroupA$20 to A$47 per electronic certificateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Australian Industry Group, certificates of origin (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Lodge an export declaration through the Integrated Cargo System, or on paper at a Border Force counter, for each consignment.Australian Border ForceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Australian Border Force, export declaration, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 20, 2026
- Claim duty drawback on imported inputs within four years of export, if the goods were unused or became part of exported goods.Australian Border ForceMinimum drawback claim A$100Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Australian Border Force, duty drawback scheme, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 23, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Austrade, ABF and ABS. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion agency
Austrade
Australian Trade and Investment Commission
Gives eligible Australian exporters market advice and contacts, runs the Export Market Development Grants program, and helps foreign investors find contacts in Australia.
Visit Austrade (opens in a new tab)Source: Austrade, services for Australian exporters (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
ABS
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Publishes international trade, price and national accounts statistics, including the monthly consumer price index.
Visit ABS (opens in a new tab)Source: ABS, international trade statistics (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Find finance
National export credit agency
EFA
Export Finance Australia
Offers small business export loans, other loans, bonds, guarantees and project finance for exporters and for overseas projects.
Visit EFA (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Finance Australia, organization overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs and border authority
ABF
Australian Border Force
Takes export declarations through the Integrated Cargo System, runs the duty drawback scheme and publishes the list of free trade agreements.
Visit ABF (opens in a new tab)Source: Australian Border Force, export declaration, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 20, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax and registration authority
ATO
Australian Taxation Office
Manages the Australian Business Register that issues Australian Business Numbers, according to business.gov.au.
Visit ATO (opens in a new tab)Source: business.gov.au, register for an Australian Business Number (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
Standards Australia
Develops Australian standards and takes part in international standards work; it does not certify compliance with standards.
Visit Standards Australia (opens in a new tab)Source: Standards Australia, organization overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
National accreditation body
NATA
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
Accredits testing laboratories and other conformity assessment bodies, whose results it says gain national and international acceptance.
Visit NATA (opens in a new tab)Source: NATA, organization overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Industry association
Ai Group
Australian Industry Group
Issues preferential and non-preferential certificates of origin for Australian exporters as an authorized body, and runs export documentation services.
Visit Ai Group (opens in a new tab)Source: Australian Industry Group, certificates of origin (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Peak exporters' body
ECA
Export Council of Australia
Represents exporters of goods and services as a membership-based body, and works with government agencies such as Austrade.
Visit ECA (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Council of Australia, organization overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
ACCI
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Represents Australian businesses to government through its member chambers and industry associations.
Visit ACCI (opens in a new tab)Source: ACCI, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariffs
USTR's notice of July 28, 2026 applies a 12.5 percent Section 301 tariff to products of Australia from July 24, 2026; goods under Section 232 tariffs are exempt from it.
What to do: Check your product's tariff line, the notice's annexes and any Section 232 tariff before you quote a United States buyer.
Source: Federal Register, Section 301 forced-labor notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Logistics and border performance
Austrade's home page flags global and domestic impacts of events in the Middle East and points exporters to its Trade Resilience Service for supply chain volatility.
What to do: Check freight and supply chain updates before you commit to delivery dates.
Sources: Austrade, home page (opens in a new tab); Reserve Bank of Australia, monetary policy decision, September 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Interest rates and inflation
The Reserve Bank raised its cash rate target to 4.60 percent on September 29, 2026, citing higher energy prices and inflation; the ABS reports 4.3 percent annual inflation for September.
What to do: Check borrowing costs and price adjustment terms before you fix long contracts.
Sources: Reserve Bank of Australia, monetary policy decision, September 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab); ABS, Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
European Union trade agreement
The European Commission says the European Union and Australia concluded free trade negotiations in March 2026, and the agreement is not yet in force.
What to do: Check the agreement's entry into force before you set prices around lower European Union tariffs.
Source: European Commission, trade agreement with Australia (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Australia project.
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Promote:Australia is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.