The line graph provides data on the proportions of Australian exports to four different countries between 1990 and 2012.
Overall, China overtook Japan to become Australia’s largest export market by approximately 10% percentage points whereas the USA and India remained broadly similar levels as importers despite some changes over the 22-year-period time.
Although in 1990 most exports were destined to Japan, accounting for just over 25%, the figure for Japan then showed a decline in the ensuing 5 years. Having been slightly stable in the following years, the percentage of Japan exports fell to approximately 17% by2012, which then was overtaken by Chinese figure. Even though standing at a mere of 2% in the beginning of the period, Chinese proportion then rose significantly by the end of the period. A marked surge in China’s share was observed from 2005 to 2010 by increasing 15%. Then the figure witnessed a modest rise till 2012, reaching a peak of 27% at the end.
The American and Indian figures remained relatively unchanged, respectively being 3rd and 4th all over the period. The proportion of the US exports fluctuated moderately and culminated in 7% by declining 4% during the given timeframe. By contrast, the amount of exports to India remained fairly stable and close to 0 untill 2000, then experienced an upward trend in the following decade. Having undergone a modest decrease in the last 5 years, the figure for Indian exports represented 5% in 2012.