Mineral exports boost Australian economy

New data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has pointed out that Australia’s merchandise exports rose A$8-billion, or 29%, during March, with a significant rise reported in the resources export sector.

The value of goods exports reached A$36.1-billion in March.

The ABS noted that key movers in the sector were the export 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 UK.