Biggest Importing Industries in Australia in 2026

• 1. Automotive Industry in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $51.0B

  The Automotive industry has endured unpredictable conditions over the past five years. Companies throughout the industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and repairers, downsized operations after pandemic restrictions caused temporary facility closures. Global supply chain disruptions led to shortages of critical inputs, particularly semiconductors. Reduced motor vehicle imports amid these disruptions weakened wholesalers' and retailers’ sales. However, on the back of these di...

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• 2. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $42.9B

  The Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry has suffered from a turbulent economy over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global supply chain and global semiconductor chip shortages have slowed production. Motor vehicle manufacturers have faced intense competition from low-cost imports. Continuous growth in Australia’s domestic freight task has supported motor vehicle manufacturers’ sales, yet the shrinking Australian motor vehicle market has eroded industry revenue. Motor v...

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• 3. Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $41.4B

  The Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing industry has faced highly volatile conditions over recent years, as the pandemic wreaked turmoil on global energy supply chains. The global situation filtered down to Australia's petroleum market, contributing to the closure of two of Australia's last four remaining oil refineries. BP closed its refinery in Kwinana, while ExxonMobil shut down the Altona refinery. Both the closed refineries were converted into import terminals, directly i...

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• 4. Agribusiness in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $30.9B

  The Agribusiness sector continues to expand, driven by strong export markets, rising domestic meat prices and technological advancements. Key commodities, including beef, wheat, barley, dairy and wine, remain integral to global supply chains, with China, Japan and the United States among major buyers. While geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties pose risks, diversification into ASEAN and Indian markets is helping mitigate these challenges. The Agribusiness sector is also shifting to...

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• 5. Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $18.7B

  Favourable demand factors have supported demand for pharmaceutical products, including an ageing population and a greater incidence of chronic disease. Increased local and global demand for consumer healthcare products has also benefited several manufacturers. Even so, ongoing challenges have constrained revenue, including a changing regulatory and risk environment and reform-driven pricing pressures. Ongoing PBS reforms have heavily influenced manufacturers, as mandatory price disclosures an...

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• 6. Communication Equipment Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $16.7B

  Communication equipment manufacturers have faced varied trading conditions in recent years. Economic uncertainties driven by high costs of living weakened industry demand in downstream markets. In addition, imports from low-cost producers like China and Vietnam have penetrated the market, as manufacturers in these countries can take advantage of lower labour and manufacturing costs. This trend has significantly reduced local manufacturers' competitiveness. This, coupled with the strengthening...

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• 7. Computer and Electronic Office Equipment Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $15.0B

  The Computer and Electronic Office Equipment Manufacturing industry’s performance has been sluggish in recent years even though manufacturers have secured long-term sales contracts with business, government and education clients. Revenue is expected to have fallen at an annualised 2.2% over the five years through 2024-25, to $1.4 billion. Imports have heavily dominated the industry, capturing the bulk of domestic demand. Although manufacturers were forced to pass on costs to consumers during ...

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• 8. Mining and Construction Machinery Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $12.8B

  The Mining and Construction Machinery Manufacturing industry has experienced a downturn in recent years. Supply chain disruptions and weak conditions in downstream construction markets have driven revenue declines. However, there are signs of recovery, with industry profitability having improved as companies adapt to market pressures through a focus on aftermarket services. Industry revenue is expected to have fallen at an annualised 1.2% over the five years through 2024-25 to $4.9 billion. T...

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• 9. Measurement and Other Scientific Equipment Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $10.6B

  Like many others like it, the Measurement and Other Scientific Equipment Manufacturing industry has faced significant challenges and opportunities stemming from global trade dynamics and shifting domestic demands. The industry is particularly vulnerable to import competition, with international imports making up more than 90% of domestic demand. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted the flow of imports through reduced overseas manufacturing and logistical delays, but imports have resume...

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• 10. Power Automation Products and Other Electrical Equipment Manufacturing in Australia

  Imports for 2026: $9.8B

  The industry’s crucial downstream markets have faced mixed operating conditions in recent years. Construction markets have slowed. Supply chain disruptions have created additional manufacturing costs, and the Federal Government's axing of its HomeBuilder scheme has left a funding hole in residential construction, dampening industry demand. However, growth in other markets, like electricity generators, has maintained industry growth. The industry has grown at an annualised 2.2% over the five y...

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