FX.co ★ Australia Q4 Import Prices Unexpectedly Rise

Australia witnessed a 0.9% rise in import prices for the fourth quarter of 2025, contradicting market forecasts of a 0.2% decrease and countering the previous quarter's 0.4% decline. This uptick marks the first increase in three periods, propelled in part by a 19.7% surge in non-monetary gold due to heightened safe-haven demand, as both investors and central banks enhanced their reserves. Additionally, crude fertilizers and minerals rocketed by 42.5%, driven by record-high sulphur prices amidst supply challenges and robust demand from the clean energy and agricultural sectors. Metalliferous ores and scrap also saw an 11.5% rise, resulting from decreased zinc production in Chinese smelters and dwindling inventories. Moreover, road vehicle prices experienced a 2.9% increase following annual assessments that heightened import expenses. Conversely, the prices of telecommunications equipment declined by 4.5%, as the introduction of higher-quality new models and lower-cost imports of older phones offset the rise in list prices. Overall, the rebound underscores the commodity-driven pressures on Australia's trade expenses, despite relief in certain areas such as technology.