Australia GDP Growth Rate1959-2020 Data | 2021-2023 Forecast | Calendar

The Australian economy advanced 3.3 percent on quarter in the three months to September 2020, partially recovering from a record 7 percent contraction in the prior period and easily beating market consensus of a 2.6 percent growth. This was the steepest period of expansion since the March quarter of 1976, as the economic activity resumed following an easing of social distancing measures and trading restrictions across most states and territories. Household consumption grew by a record 7.9 percent, due to increased spending on both goods and services; and government consumption advanced 1.4 percent, the ninth consecutive rise, driven by increased social benefits to households. Meanwhile, private investment fell 0.2 percent on weaker business investment; and net external demand contributed negatively to the GDP amid a fall in exports. Through the year to the September quarter, the economy shrank 3.8 percent, after a 6.4 percent contraction in the June quarter.

The Australian economy shrank 7% on quarter in the three months to June 2020, following a 0.3% drop in the prior period and worse than market consensus of a 5.9% fall. It was the second consecutive quarterly contraction and the sharpest on record, entering the first recession in 30 years as the COVID-19 crisis took a huge toll on the economy. Household consumption slumped (-12.1% vs -1.2% in Q1) and gross fixed capital formation shrink at the steepest rate since Q4 2000 (-4.9% vs -0.5%). Also, inventories fell AUD 4,085 million following a $1,261 million drop in Q1, led by trade and manufacturing. In contrast, government spending grew the most since Q4 1995 (2.9% vs 2.1%), in response to the virus shocks. Exports declined (-6.7% vs -4.4%), while imports fell faster (-12.9% vs -6.7%). On the production side, most sectors contracted except mining, financial & insurance, public administration and education. Through the year to Q2, the economy shrank 6.3%, after a 0.3% drop in Q1.

The Australian economy shrank 0.3% on quarter in the first three months of 2020, after a 0.5% growth in the prior period and in line with market consensus. It was the first contraction since Q1 2011, as the economy was hit by bushfires, drought and the coronavirus pandemic. Household consumption fell for the 1st time since Q4 2008 (-1.1% vs 0.5% in Q4 2019) and gross fixed capital formation continued to shrink (-0.8% vs -1.2%). Inventories fell AUD 909 million driven by manufacturing, retail and wholesale inventories. In contrast, government spending grew 1.8%, faster than a 0.9% expansion, in response to the bushfires and the covid-19. Exports declined 3.5% (vs -0.2% in Q4), while imports fell at a faster 6.2% (vs 0.1% in Q4). On the production side, most sectors contracted except manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, information & telecommunications and financial & insurance. Through the year to Q1, the economy grew 1.4%, after a 2.2% expansion in Q4.

The Australian economy grew 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, easing from an upwardly revised 0.6 percent growth in the prior period but beating market forecasts of a 0.3 percent expansion. Government spending slowed (0.7% vs 1.1% in Q3); and gross fixed capital formation fell (-1% vs 0.6%) as both private and public investment declined. Meanwhile, household consumption grew further (0.4% vs 0.1%); and inventories rose AUD 118 million driven by mining and rebounding from a decrease of AUD 743 million. Exports were flat (vs 0.5% in Q3); while imports fell 0.5% (vs -0.3% in Q3). On the production side, most sectors grew except construction; wholesale trade; administrative support & services; and arts & recreation. Through the year to Q4, the economy grew 2.2%, after an upwardly revised 1.8% expansion in Q3.