Australia mainly exports resources and energy to China, especially iron ore, natural gas, coal, and gold. It also exports a growing mix of agricultural goods , including wine, barley, timber logs, wool, fruit, nuts, and vegetables.

What leads the list

  • Iron ore is the biggest export by far.
  • Mineral fuels and energy products such as natural gas and coal are also major exports.
  • Agricultural products are an important second pillar, especially premium food and drink.

Recent changes

Australia’s exports of several farm products to China have rebounded strongly in 2024, including barley , wine , and timber logs.

China remains Australia’s largest market for agricultural exports, worth A$17.1 billion in 2023–24.

Common examples

Some of the most frequently mentioned Australian exports to China are:

  • Iron ore.
  • Natural gas.
  • Coal.
  • Gold.
  • Wool.
  • Wine.
  • Barley.
  • Fruit and nuts, especially grapes, almonds, macadamias, oranges, and mandarins.

Why it matters

This trade is important because China buys a large share of Australia’s export commodities, while Australia is also expanding into higher-value food and agricultural products.

TL;DR

Australia exports mostly iron ore and other resources to China, plus energy and agricultural products like wine, barley, wool, fruit, and nuts.