Location is everything. Australia gives exporters easy and preferential access to the established and emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific, which are set to deliver 44% of global GDP by 2026. Our proximity to these dynamic, fast-growing markets is supported by a network of 16 free trade agreements, including 11 in Asia, covering around 70% of Australia’s two-way trade.
Australia has developed a competitive edge in a range of goods and services, from high technology products such as medical and scientific equipment through to award-winning wine and processed food. Major services exports include education, tourism, professional and technical services, and telecommunications, computer and information services.
Our natural resources are in high demand across the Asia-Pacific, while our education, tourism and other professional services are driving economic growth and Australia’s reputation as the land of plenty.
Australia is an open, highly globalised economy, with trade accounting for more than 40% of nominal GDP.
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'I think Australia is in a strong global position as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific and its concerted effort to attract skilled individuals from all over the world.'
– Dr Mary Petrone, Global Talent visa recipient from the United States, now based in Sydney
Foreign investment in Australia is at A$4.4 trillion
Source: Why Australia Benchmark Report
Two-way trade in goods and services was worth A$1 trillion in 2021-22
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2023, Trade time series data
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2021, Trade statistics, Trade in goods and services: 2020–21 financial year; Austrade
Global connections
Australia is one of the most globalised countries in the world and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific according to the KOF Globalisation Index.
Twelve of our top 15 export markets are in Asia, generating total exports worth A$326 billion in 2020. This represents three-quarters of our total exports of goods and services. Other top export destinations include the US (3rd), UK (5th), New Zealand (8th) and Germany (14th).
Find out how businesses like yours are doing business in ASEAN countries.
Top exports to Asia and Oceania
- Agribusiness and food
- Defence and advanced manufacturing
- Digital technologies
- Resources