The increase in imports sharply reduced the monthly trade surplus of Australia in February, according to the statistical service.
The seasonally adjusted balance of goods and services showed a surplus of A $ 7.465 billion (US $ 5.61 billion), down from A $ 4.33 billion in January.
Economists had expected a surplus of A $ 12 billion in February.
Exports remained almost unchanged, while imports increased by 12% compared to the previous month.
Imports of processed industrial supplies, fuels and lubricants led to a sharp jump in imports, which reflected rising global crude oil prices and a recovery in the Australian economy following the devastation caused by the pandemic in December and January.
Source: Capital

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