The ABS notes that "Australia's...........>

AUSTRALIA: The ABS notes that "Australia's merchandise (goods) exports rose $8

billion or 29 per cent in March 2020, according to the latest Australian Bureau

of Statistics (ABS) preliminary international trade figures. The preliminary

figures reflect a significant rise in exports from the resources sector. Among

the key movers were exports of iron ore to China, Australia's largest trading

partner, which increased significantly following declines in January and

February. There were also large increases in the value of exports of coal, gas

and petroleum, and strong exports of non-monetary gold, particularly to Hong

Kong and the United Kingdom. The value of goods imported also increased in March

2020, up 10 per cent on February 2020, due to increases in the value of imports

of non-monetary gold, aircraft and consumer electronics such as laptop computers

and mobile phones. This publication forms part of the suite of new products made

available by the ABS to help the community and governments understand the impact

of, and economic responses to the coronavirus, COVID-19. The ABS would like to

thank all those who contributed to this data."