Australia’s Trade Surplus Swells With Boost From China Commodities Demand

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Shipping containers sit in a storage lot on Oct. 26 at the Port of Brisbane in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — Australia’s monthly trade surplus widened in May as exports of gold, natural gas and coal advanced, driven by demand from trading partner China with its appetite for commodities.

The windfall was A$11.8 billion ($7.9 billion), exceeding estimates for a A$10.9 billion gain, Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed Thursday. Overall exports climbed by 4%, while imports gained 2% in the month.