Australian December trade data: Exports +1.7% m/m while Imports -7.9%

<p>While the jump in exports and the huge beat for the trade surplus is welcome, the collapse in imports is troubling.</p><p>Slowing imports are often taken as a sign of a weakening economy, with less demand for yummy imported goods and services.</p><p>Import values fell, driven by a decline across:</p><ul><li> consumption goods by -14%, </li><li>capital goods -2.8%</li><li>intermediate goods -3.8%</li><li>motor vehicle imports dropped 26% </li></ul>

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.