Australia has long been recognised as a global heavyweight in resource exports. In 2025, this dominance not only continues but is further strengthened, driven by strong global demand, sustained commodity pricing, and a well-developed trade infrastructure.
But alongside traditional exports, we’re also seeing steady growth in agriculture and new-age materials like battery minerals, signalling a subtle but important shift.
In this blog, we explore Australia’s top export products in 2025 (so far), analyse the key trends shaping trade, and highlight the logistics perspective on what these movements mean for global supply chains.
Australia’s Top 10 Exports in 2025 (USD)
Rank | Export Category | Export Value |
1 | Iron Ore | $119.9 Billion |
2 | Coal | $77.1 Billion |
3 | Oil & Gas | $76.8 Billion |
4 | Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) | $72.6 Billion |
5 | Gold & Non-Ferrous Metals | $23.7 Billion |
6 | Meat Products | $20.9 Billion |
7 | Grains | $14.8 Billion |
8 | Refined Copper, Silver, Lead & Zinc | $7.8 Billion |
9 | Copper Ore | $6.5 Billion |
10 | Battery Materials | $6.1 Billion |
Export Trends and Key Insights
1. Iron Ore Still Reigns Supreme
Iron ore continues to top the charts as Australia’s biggest export, generating close to $120 billion in revenue. Furthermore, with strong demand from key partners like China and a global push for infrastructure development, iron ore remains the cornerstone of the Australian economy.
Despite increasing calls for diversification, the export of iron ore remains critical for federal and state revenues, especially in Western Australia where it’s a major economic driver.
2. Coal and LNG Still Powering Global Energy
Australia’s coal and LNG exports remain strong in 2025, even as global economies transition toward cleaner energy. While demand has softened slightly in some regions, energy-deficient countries, particularly in Asia, continue to rely heavily on Australian fuel exports.
Notably, LNG has surged to nearly $73 billion, a figure closely trailing coal. This upward trend, in turn, reflects a growing international preference for lower-emission fuels. As a result, LNG has become one of the most strategically significant exports of the year.
3. Oil & Gas – Maintaining Momentum
Crude oil and gas exports generated nearly $77 billion this year, thereby maintaining Australia’s position as a key energy exporter. Moreover, global geopolitical instability has increased demand for secure and reliable energy sources, consequently putting Australian energy firms in a strong position.
4. Gold and Non-Ferrous Metals – Quietly Climbing
Gold exports have quietly climbed to $23.7 billion in 2025, with many analysts predicting it may soon overtake coal if current trends continue. As investors seek safety amid inflation and uncertainty, gold has found its moment once again.
Meanwhile, other non-ferrous metals like aluminium, nickel and lithium are growing as battery demand increases.
5. Agricultural Exports: Meat and Grains on the Rise
Australia’s reputation for high-quality meat and grain exports continues to pay dividends. Meat products, including beef and lamb, are generating over $20.9 billion in export revenue. With record sheep prices earlier this year and growing international appetite for premium meat, this trend is likely to continue.
Similarly, grains have followed suit, bringing in $14.8 billion, driven by strong wheat and barley demand from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
6. Copper and Battery Materials – Future-Facing Growth
The global clean energy transition is fuelling demand for copper, silver, zinc, and other conductors. Australia’s refined and unrefined copper exports now exceed $14 billion combined, while battery materials like lithium and cobalt are also growing fast, reaching $6.1 billion.
As electric vehicles and energy storage technologies continue booming globally, consequently, these exports are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
Top Export Destinations
Australia’s major export partners remain steady:
- China – Still the top destination for iron ore, LNG, and coal
- Japan & South Korea – Significant importers of LNG and meat
- India – Increasingly important for gold, copper, and agriculture
- United States & Europe – Key buyers of pharmaceutical and tech-related raw materials
Diversifying export partners is essential to protect long-term trade stability. To that end, Australia is already making significant strides toward strengthening links across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Logistics & Trade: The Role of Freight Experts
At TGL, we understand that exports aren’t just about moving goods. Instead, they’re about navigating regulations, managing risk, and ultimately ensuring seamless, on-time delivery.
Whether it’s bulk minerals or perishable agricultural products, each category demands tailored logistics solutions.
Conclusion
In 2025, Australia remains a global export powerhouse, still rich in resources yet evolving with the needs of a changing world. Traditional pillars like iron ore and coal continue to drive the numbers, but the rise of renewables, battery materials, and agri-exports shows the beginning of a broader, more resilient trade future.
As exporters and freight partners, now is the time to embrace both legacy strengths and future-focused strategies. At TGL, we’re ready to move with you, locally smart and globally connected.
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