Catch-22 over leading Aussie export
Australia welcomed 26,210 international students in May 2025, up from 24,270 in May 2024 and 22,500 in May 2023, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Thousands of people flow between Australia's borders every day. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
As the rate of international student arrivals steadily increases, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver expects Australia's tertiary education industry to begin leapfrogging its way up the ladder of prominent national exports – a catch-22 for the Australian government, which announced it would place caps on total international student numbers in late 2024.
'We have been moving towards services, exports, particularly education,' Mr Oliver said.
'That's why we've got to be careful here that Australia doesn't shoot itself in the foot by restricting immigration that turns off the education export sector.
'I suspect if things had continued as they were, we would have found a situation where, in the next few years, education would be our second highest exporter ahead of gas and coal and still just behind iron ore – but it was always in a position to potentially become No.1.' International student arrivals continue to steadily increase. NewsWire / Dylan Coker Credit: NewsWire
Meanwhile, ABS data shows a minor lift in Aussie tourism, with 11,000 more people arriving from overseas than the previous year's reporting period.
The figures also revealed other insights, particularly regarding short-term travel destinations for Aussies leaving the country and also the national origins of our most commonly welcomed tourists.
The top three countries Aussies returned from in May were Indonesia (149,080), New Zealand (83,020) and Japan (82,920), followed by the US, China and Thailand.
Indonesia and Japan were the only countries Aussies toured for short-term travel that greatly exceeded pre-Covid travel levels, while the US was notably the only country in the top 10 that experienced a significant decrease from pre-2019 levels.
Indonesia is in the middle of its dry season, and as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to strongarm Aussies into avoiding big-ticket trips like Euro summers, short-term trips to islands like Bali are becoming more feasible for those hoping to seek offshore adventure. The largest percentage of traffic in and out of the country comes through NSW. NewsWire / Simon Bullard. Credit: News Corp Australia
New Zealand experiences autumnal weather during the month of May, so while snowfall in popular ski areas is minimal, the proximity to Australia makes our small neighbour a popular tourist destination all year round.
Fair summer weather paired with a drop-off in Yen value resulted in large numbers of Aussies making their way to and from Japan in May, with almost 24,000 more returns reported than in May 2024.
The majority of those visiting Australia came from New Zealand (117,250), China (67,350) and India (47,940), with the only significant lift from 2024 traveller numbers coming from China.
The majority of travel to and from Australia came through NSW across all measurements.
Overall, the ABS reported 611,000 short-term visitor arrivals and 970,000 short-term residential returns.
There were 1.66 million total arrivals and 1.68 million departures, meaning the overall population shrank by a relatively small fraction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
15 July
Ooops, an error has occurred! Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we'll help resolve the issue or try again later. The Streaming Subscription provides Australians access to top rating opinion shows, award-winning political coverage, live breaking news, sport and weather, expert business insights and groundbreaking documentaries across four dedicated news channels for $5 a month. This includes: Sky News – Australia's news channel featuring award-winning journalists, insights from the biggest names in opinion, ground-breaking special investigations, and live breaking news, sport and weather. Available live and on-demand. Sky News Extra – A dedicated 24/7 channel featuring live press conferences and Parliament broadcasts, with unfiltered access to Australian democracy in action. Available live. Sky News Weather – Australia's only 24/7 weather channel bringing you the latest weather forecasts from the country's largest team of meteorologists. Available live. FOX SPORTS News – Australia's only 24/7 sports news channel, first and live in breaking sports news. Available live. Stream Sky News channel shows in full live and on-demand on or the Sky News Australia app and cast to your compatible TV. For the best streaming experience, stream your favourite Sky News shows on your compatible Smart TV. For a step-by-step guide on how to sign in on your Smart TV or to find out if your Smart TV is compatible, visit our help page. There is no lock-in contract when you subscribe to a Streaming Subscription. Renewals occur automatically unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions . The Streaming Subscription is not available outside of Australia. If overseas (excluding New Zealand), you can access your favourite Sky News Australia programs by signing up to Australia Channel. Sky News Australia's international 24/7 news streaming service. Find out more here. You can continue to access digital-only content, video highlights, and listen to the latest podcasts without a subscription on our website and app. The Streaming Subscription gives subscribers live stream access to unrivalled news and opinion content across four dedicated news channels 24/7.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Australian, Chinese business leaders seek common ground
Australian and Chinese CEOs are pushing for increased mutual recognition of qualifications and the development of smart agriculture technology. A roundtable of 28 business leaders - 14 from each country - has also called for more work on green steel and regular meetings between education ministers, in a report provided to the nations' leaders. The high-powered gathering in Beijing on Tuesday comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met China's top leaders in the centrepiece of his six-day sojourn to the Middle Kingdom. Mr Albanese's visit has focused on growing economic engagement between the two nations despite concerns over Chinese economic coercion. In his meeting with President Xi Jinping, neither side brought up Australia's plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port, nor stringent restrictions on Chinese foreign investment in Australia. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer published ahead of the meeting suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" as well as increasing links with China. "We want to see more trade, more Australian jobs, and a real future for Australian products in China - from decarbonisation of steel, to beef and rice products - and that was reflected in our discussion here in Beijing," he said. "One in four Australian jobs is trade dependent and so it is vital we increase trade opportunities with all our trading partners, including China." Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations following Mr Albanese's election in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," Mr Black told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." As well as greater collaboration on education and agriculture, the business communique pushed more work in healthcare, resources, and the green economy. Australian and Chinese CEOs are pushing for increased mutual recognition of qualifications and the development of smart agriculture technology. A roundtable of 28 business leaders - 14 from each country - has also called for more work on green steel and regular meetings between education ministers, in a report provided to the nations' leaders. The high-powered gathering in Beijing on Tuesday comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met China's top leaders in the centrepiece of his six-day sojourn to the Middle Kingdom. Mr Albanese's visit has focused on growing economic engagement between the two nations despite concerns over Chinese economic coercion. In his meeting with President Xi Jinping, neither side brought up Australia's plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port, nor stringent restrictions on Chinese foreign investment in Australia. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer published ahead of the meeting suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" as well as increasing links with China. "We want to see more trade, more Australian jobs, and a real future for Australian products in China - from decarbonisation of steel, to beef and rice products - and that was reflected in our discussion here in Beijing," he said. "One in four Australian jobs is trade dependent and so it is vital we increase trade opportunities with all our trading partners, including China." Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations following Mr Albanese's election in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," Mr Black told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." As well as greater collaboration on education and agriculture, the business communique pushed more work in healthcare, resources, and the green economy. Australian and Chinese CEOs are pushing for increased mutual recognition of qualifications and the development of smart agriculture technology. A roundtable of 28 business leaders - 14 from each country - has also called for more work on green steel and regular meetings between education ministers, in a report provided to the nations' leaders. The high-powered gathering in Beijing on Tuesday comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met China's top leaders in the centrepiece of his six-day sojourn to the Middle Kingdom. Mr Albanese's visit has focused on growing economic engagement between the two nations despite concerns over Chinese economic coercion. In his meeting with President Xi Jinping, neither side brought up Australia's plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port, nor stringent restrictions on Chinese foreign investment in Australia. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer published ahead of the meeting suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" as well as increasing links with China. "We want to see more trade, more Australian jobs, and a real future for Australian products in China - from decarbonisation of steel, to beef and rice products - and that was reflected in our discussion here in Beijing," he said. "One in four Australian jobs is trade dependent and so it is vital we increase trade opportunities with all our trading partners, including China." Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations following Mr Albanese's election in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," Mr Black told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." As well as greater collaboration on education and agriculture, the business communique pushed more work in healthcare, resources, and the green economy. Australian and Chinese CEOs are pushing for increased mutual recognition of qualifications and the development of smart agriculture technology. A roundtable of 28 business leaders - 14 from each country - has also called for more work on green steel and regular meetings between education ministers, in a report provided to the nations' leaders. The high-powered gathering in Beijing on Tuesday comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met China's top leaders in the centrepiece of his six-day sojourn to the Middle Kingdom. Mr Albanese's visit has focused on growing economic engagement between the two nations despite concerns over Chinese economic coercion. In his meeting with President Xi Jinping, neither side brought up Australia's plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port, nor stringent restrictions on Chinese foreign investment in Australia. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer published ahead of the meeting suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" as well as increasing links with China. "We want to see more trade, more Australian jobs, and a real future for Australian products in China - from decarbonisation of steel, to beef and rice products - and that was reflected in our discussion here in Beijing," he said. "One in four Australian jobs is trade dependent and so it is vital we increase trade opportunities with all our trading partners, including China." Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations following Mr Albanese's election in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," Mr Black told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." As well as greater collaboration on education and agriculture, the business communique pushed more work in healthcare, resources, and the green economy.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Surprise winner in Albo's China trip
Anthony Albanese has committed to reviewing Australia's free-trade agreement with China as part of a suite of pacts signed on his trade-touting state visit to the country. The Prime Minister signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Chinese counterpart Li Qian after talks in the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. The MoUs also included a commitment from China to import apples from mainland Australia and co-operation on tourism – a key part of Mr Albanese's mission. Before signing the deals, the Chinese Premier praised his Australian guest for 'personal efforts' to stabilise the Australia-China relationship. 'China-Australia relations have moved beyond a low point and returned to the right track of stability and development,' Mr Li said. 'Our pragmatic co-operation is brimming with renewed vitality and bringing real benefits to our two peoples.' He went on to say Mr Albanese's visit at the start of his second term would give 'new momentum' for China and Australia to deepen co-operation against a backdrop of global uncertainty, adding that 'a lot has happened in the world' since the pair last met in October. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Summit in Laos last year. PMO Credit: Supplied 'The world economy sees growing instability and uncertainty,' Mr Li said. 'The development of all countries is faced with new challenges, given such circumstances, China and Australia as important trade partners, should strengthen dialogue and co-operation. 'The significance of us doing so is becoming more notable.' His comments echoed remarks made by Xi Jinping, who met with Mr Albanese just hours earlier. Anthony Albanese also with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday. Source - PMO Credit: Supplied Mr Li said Mr Albanese and the Chinese President 'reached important common understandings on deepening China Australia relations'. 'China would like to continue to work with Australia for more outcomes in co-operation across the board, to deliver more benefits to our two peoples,' he said. 'I would like to exchange views with you on issues of common interest in an in depth and candid manner.'
