What happened
The September 2026 Resources and Energy Quarterly forecasts Australia’s resource and energy export earnings to rise to $422 billion in 2026–27 from $403 billion in 2025–26. Growth is supported by LNG earnings reaching $70 billion and rising copper demand, offset by declining iron ore and gold export values.
Why it matters here
While near-term export earnings remain elevated due to Middle East supply disruptions and AI-driven copper demand, projected declines to $391 billion in 2027–28 signal easing bulk commodity prices. Australian mining and energy investors should note long-term revenue pressures on iron ore and thermal coal alongside structural growth in copper.
What to watch
Subsequent quarterly Resources and Energy Quarterly reports from the Chief Economist, alongside global industrial demand figures, to monitor LNG and copper export performance.
Source
industry.gov.au