The two charts provide information on the cost of importing and exporting goods between Australia and China from 1998 to 2004 and illustrate the different types of goods imported from China over the two years.
Overall, the figures for importation had the largest share of the commodities from 1998 to 2004. Meanwhile, in 2003 and 2004, toys and telecom goods were allocated a significant share of the budget for imports from China.
The rate between importation and exportation declined gradually over time. The figure for exports were worth $10 billion in 1988. Following that, exported merchandise fluctuated from 1 to 3 billion yearly, peaking at $25 billion by 2004. Compared to the slight increase in exports, the value of imports increased clearly, hovering around $3 billion and $5 billion annually. The imports value commenced at $20 billion in 1988, increased steadily, and reached $40 billion by 2006.
In terms of commodity goods, imports of all things increased, except for clothes. The expenditure on clothes reached nearly $4 billion of imported merchandise from China in 2003, maintaining stable value in 2004. The spending on computers and furniture grew marginally by approximately $4,3 to $6 and $5 to $6, respectively. In contrast, the greatest change can be seen in the import of toys and telecommunications equipment, which grew from $2 and $3 billion in 2003 to $7 and $8 billion, respectively, in 2004.