Industries with the Biggest Decline in Imports in Australia in 2026

• 1. Grain Growing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -19.3%

  The Grain Growing industry has fluctuated in recent years following weather conditions, global grain prices and crop supplies volatility. Revenue is on track to grow at an annualised 11.0% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching $21.5 billion, including 9.6% growth in the current year. Improved rainfall from consecutive La Niña events earlier in the period supported higher output volumes, with wheat and barley yields hitting record highs in 2022-23. However, softer prices for wheat and ...

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• 2. Coal Mining in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -16.9%

  Coal is a key input in steelmaking and energy generation. Although coal deposits are found all over the world, Australia is one of the world's lowest-cost producers and a major coal exporter. Domestic reserves exceed domestic demand, are high grade and are economical to access. As a result, exports account for a large share of coal mining revenue. Imports are negligible, as local production is higher than domestic demand for coal. Black coal mining accounts for most activity, with some brown ...

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• 3. Carbon Dioxide Production in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -12.0%

  Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a versatile gas used in a range of processes and applications that benefit from its reactivity, inertness and low temperature. CO2 can be produced as a high-pressure cylinder gas, a low-pressure refrigerated liquid or in a solid form as dry ice. Several of CO2's major uses are in food and beverage industries, wherein manufacturers can use the gas to carbonate soft drinks, decaffeinate coffee, freeze food products, and maintain ideal atmospheric conditions in food packa...

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• 4. Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Fuel Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -8.9%

  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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• 5. Iron Smelting and Steel Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -5.8%

  The Iron Smelting and Steel Manufacturing industry has faced fluctuating demand and economic pressures, especially from the construction and mining sectors. While construction market volatility has dampened demand for steel products in residential and infrastructure projects, the mining sector has provided some stability. Rising demand for steel in iron ore, gold and copper mining has offset some of the losses in the construction sector. However, challenges persist. The declining world price ...

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• 6. Cheese Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -5.5%

  The Cheese Manufacturing industry has encountered various challenges over the past few years through 2024-25. Varying cheese prices in export markets, a fluctuating Australian dollar, falling local raw milk production and shifting local consumer preferences have all influenced revenue performance. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the industry, with revenue falling over the two years through 2021-22, partly due to declining food service demand from government restrictions. Domestic pe...

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• 7. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -4.6%

  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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• 8. Bottled Water Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -4.2%

  Operators in the Bottled Water Manufacturing industry have faced several challenges over the past five years. Industry revenue is expected to fall at an annualised 2.0% over the five years through 2022-23, to $742.4 million. This includes an anticipated decline of 0.7% in the current year, due to weakening consumer sentiment creating a drag on spending. Reduced demand for convenient bottled water as workers opt to work from home and weaker economic conditions impairing discretionary spending ...

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• 9. Frozen Cake and Pastry Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -4.0%

  Frozen cake and pastry manufacturers have faced numerous challenges in recent years. Changing consumer dietary and lifestyle trends have worked against the industry, as some consumers have cut back on high-calorie foods, like cakes and pastries, in favour of healthier snack and dessert alternatives. Other consumers have moved away from factory-produced frozen pies and pastries and towards fresh, unpackaged products. In addition, private-label products are growing in popularity, representing a...

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• 10. Beer Manufacturing in Australia

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -3.7%

  Despite declining per capita beer consumption, the Beer Manufacturing industry has experienced revenue growth thanks to consumers' growing preference for higher priced craft beers. Drinkers are shifting away from traditional full-strength beers, opting instead for craft beers offering perceived quality and unique drinking experiences. This has increased smaller, independent breweries’ viability, pushing down market share concentration. Major brewers Asahi and Lion are capitalising on this tre...

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