Australia’s Q1 export prices slow to 0.5% growth as iron ore weakness weighs; iImport prices increased by 0.1%

Australia's export prices rose 0.5% in Q1 2026, a sharp slowdown from a 3.2% rise in Q4 2025, driven largely by a 5% decline in metalliferous ores and metal scrap as weaker Chinese iron-ore demand and high port stockpiles weighed on commodity prices. Import prices edged up 0.1%. The data points to softer terms-of-trade and could pressure the Australian dollar and resource-linked assets if Chinese demand remains weak, while exporters face margin headwinds. Overall the report is a data-driven negative for AUD/USD and commodity exporters until signs of firmer Chinese demand or inventory drawdowns emerge.