Supply Chain Research

Australia’s trade surplus fell to A$1.3 billion ($1.0 billion) in January from A$3.3 billion in December, disappointing economists’ expectations of an increase. That was likely due to an 8% rise in imports, the fastest rate since June 2012 and the result of higher fuel prices. Export growth continued, however, with a 55% rise in exports resulting in part from higher agricultural exports to the U.S. Shipments to China dropped 9%, but may turn around after Chinese managers expressed an upbeat outlook for their purchases.