Australia's May Trade Surplus Wider Than Expected

Australia's trade surplus in May was a surprising 2.47 billion AUD, driven by a 9% increase in exports, recovering from disruptions caused by Cyclone Debbie. The Aussie dollar strengthened, coinciding with positive global trade discussions at the G20. However, the sustainability of these trade figures is uncertain due to declining coal shipments and reduced purchases by Japan and China.

What was the actual trade surplus for Australia in May, and how did it compare to market expectations?

• 2.47 billion, below expectations of 3 billion

• 1 billion, matching market expectations

• 2.47 billion, exceeding expectations of 1 billion

• 3 billion, exceeding expectations of 2 billion

What event in April significantly affected Australia's trade numbers?

• A major earthquake

• A political election

• Cyclone Debbie

• A financial crisis

How did the Australian dollar react to the trade surplus announcement?

• It rose above $0.76

• It remained stable at $0.75

• It dropped to $0.65

• It fell below $0.70

Which two commodities are highlighted as significant to Australia's trade story with China?

• Gold and silver

• Iron ore and coal

• Oil and natural gas

• Wheat and barley

What recent trend in coal shipments might affect the sustainability of Australia's trade figures?

• An increase in coal shipments

• A surge in coal prices

• A decline in coal shipments

• Stable coal shipments