Australia Export Prices Ease Sharply

Australia’s export prices increased by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, marking a sharp slowdown from the one-year high of 3.2% in Q4 2025. The deceleration was driven primarily by a 5% drop in metalliferous ores and metal scrap, reflecting seasonally weaker Chinese demand for iron ore ahead of the Lunar New Year, as well as elevated stockpiles at Chinese ports. Moreover, gas prices, natural and manufactured, plunged 8.2%, as oil-linked contracts tracked lower crude oil prices during the December quarter. In contrast, non-monetary gold prices surged 10.8%, underpinned by sustained safe-haven demand amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Coal, coke and briquettes also climbed 5.3%, supported by higher metallurgical coal prices as weather-related disruptions constrained Australian supply. Lastly, crude fertilisers surged 58.3%, driven by robust global demand for lithium, critical to battery and electric vehicle production, alongside low Chinese inventory levels.