The Import Price Index rose 2.1% in the March quarter 2018. This follows a rise in the December quarter 2017 of 2.0%.

The rise was driven by higher prices paid for Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials (+8.7%), Road vehicles (+1.5%), Inorganic chemicals (+19.7%) and Plastics in primary forms (+14.7%).

Through the year to the March quarter 2018, the Import Price Index rose 2.3%, driven by Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials (+15.9%).

The Export Price Index rose 4.9% in the March quarter 2018. This follows a rise in the December quarter 2017 of 2.8%.

The rise was driven by higher prices received for Metalliferous ores and metal scrap (+6.1%), Coal, coke and briquettes (+6.5%), Gas, natural and manufactured (+13.8%), Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials (+9.6%), Non-ferrous metals (+4.8%) and Live animals (+22.2%).

Through the year to the March quarter 2018, the Export Price Index fell 1.4%, driven by Metalliferous ores and metal scrap (-10.9%).