A sharp downturn in Australia’s international trade performance reflects the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our exporters and importers.

It also highlights the importance of the Morrison Government efforts to keep Australia’s international borders open to allow trade to continue.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data for February, released today, shows exports fell $1.8 billion (5 per cent) and imports declined $1.5bn (4 per cent) compared to January.

A decline in Australia’s trade data was inevitable given the severe impact of COVID-19 during February, particularly in China, our biggest trading partner.

The figures confirm that trade-exposed businesses across the board have suffered – including our tourism operators, education providers, farmers, fishers and miners.

But the impact on some sectors has been particularly severe.

Australia’s tourism-related exports – which includes education services -- plunged 15 per cent to $4.96bn in February, reflecting Australia’s decision in early February to effectively close its borders to Chinese students and tourists.

Looking ahead, it is likely that imports will continue to fall when data for March is released, given the severe interruptions to supply chains and an expected decline in domestic demand.

But as I have said previously, Australia’s export sector will be crucial for the economy in the grim weeks and months ahead.

It is vital for the economy that our national borders remain open to trade, assuming that we can do so with the highest health protocols in place.

I thank the Transport Workers Union and the Maritime Union of Australia who are working to keep people safe while maintaining trade by sea, air, rail and road.

Labor has also welcomed moves by the Government to spend $110 million to boost international trade by helping to arrange cargo flights carrying seafood, beef and dairy exports to key markets.