The first bar chart illustrates the value of goods that Australia imported from China and exported to China between 1998 and 2004. The second chart shows five categories of goods imported from China in 2003 and 2004.
Overall, Australia consistently imported more from China than it exported to China. Both imports and exports increased over time, but the gap between them widened. In 2004, telecommunication equipment was the most imported item.
In 1998, imports from China were valued at about $20 billion, compared to exports of around $14 billion. From that point, imports rose steadily each year, reaching approximately $40 billion in 2004. Exports also increased but at a slower pace, reaching just under $30 billion in the same year.
In terms of imported goods, telecommunication equipment was the most significant in 2004, at nearly $8 billion, showing a sharp rise from the previous year. Toy and sports equipment followed, increasing from $2 billion in 2003 to over $7 billion in 2004. Computers and furniture were also major imports, both rising slightly from 2003 to 2004. Clothing imports remained stable at $4 billion in both years.