Economic Activities in Australia: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Australia, with a population of approximately 27.2 million (ABS, December 2025), is ranked 54th in the world by population size. Located in Oceania, it covers a total area of 7,741,220 square kilometers, ranking 6th globally.

Australia’s economic position in 2024 is robust, with a GDP of approximately $1.752 trillion USD (World Bank, 2024), ranking 12th globally. The GDP per capita in Australia is approximately $64,604 USD (World Bank, 2024). Australia’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in mining, agriculture, and services, contributing to its stable economic growth and high standard of living for its citizens.

What are the economic activities of Australia?

• Primary activities (agriculture, forestry, fishing): approximately 2.2% of GDP (World Bank, 2024).
• Secondary activities (industry, including construction): approximately 26.0% of GDP (World Bank, 2024).
• Tertiary activities (services): approximately 65.5% of GDP (World Bank, 2024).

Primary Sector of Australia

With 47.26% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include wheat, sugarcane, barley, milk, rapeseed, cotton, sorghum, beef, oats, and chicken.

Despite contributing approximately 2.2% to the GDP (World Bank, 2024), agriculture remains vital to the economy, providing employment and sustaining rural communities. The sector’s significance lies in the production of a wide range of high-quality products, ensuring food security and export opportunities.

Australia’s diverse geology provides a rich array of natural resources, driving its primary sector. With vast reserves of coal, iron ore, uranium, opals, and more, the country dominates global markets. Notably, it leads in coal exports, opal supply, uranium reserves, and LNG exports, shaping its strong economy.Australia’s oil production of around 334,448 barrels per day ranks it 20th globally. With reserves of 1,193,000,000 barrels, it holds 0.15% of the world’s oil reserves.Australia’s gas production industry continues to thrive, with 147,200 million m³ produced in 2020, solidifying its position as the 7th largest producer in the world.

Secondary Sector of Australia

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?In Australia, the main industrial products include industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, and steel. These goods are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.In 2023, Australia’s manufacturing sector contributed only 8.33% to the country’s total exports, indicating its relatively minor role in the economy compared to other sectors.

Tertiary sector of Australia

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Australia encompasses a wide range of services where individuals provide expertise and time to enhance productivity and meet various needs. This sector involves intangible goods such as advice, attention, and expertise, catering to both consumer and business demands. Key tertiary activities in Australia include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and communication and information exchange.In particular, Australia’s tourism industry is a vital contributor to its economy, with annual international visitor arrivals reaching approximately 7.63 million in 2024 (ABS, 2024), representing ongoing recovery toward the pre-pandemic peak of 8.71 million in 2019. Sydney’s Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef are among the most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience Australia’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular economic sector, with over 28 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and enabling digital services.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Australia

It involves the primary sector through resource extraction for military use. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment. The tertiary sector provides services, while the quaternary sector focuses on military research and development. Lastly, the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy in the military.

In 2024, Australia’s military expenditure was approximately $33,820 million USD, which is approximately 1.9% of the country’s GDP (SIPRI, 2024). The active military force consists of 58,600 personnel.

Biggest company in Australia

Which is the biggest company in Australia? The biggest company by revenue is BHP Group, with annual revenue of approximately $51.3 billion USD (FY2025) and a market capitalization of approximately $231.8 billion USD (June 2026). BHP operates in the materials industry, focusing on mining and resources, and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. BHP was founded in 1885 and plays a significant role in the primary economic sector.

International Trade of Australia

Import Activities of Australia

Australia’s import activities are of high importance, with total goods imports in 2024 reaching approximately $370 billion USD (ABS, 2024), accounting for approximately 21.1% of the country’s GDP.Australia’s import activities are diverse, with major partners like China, US, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Key import commodities include refined petroleum, cars, garments, trucks, and plastic products.

Exports Activities of Australia

Australia’s total goods exports in 2024 were approximately $377 billion USD, accounting for approximately 21.5% of its GDP (ABS, 2024). This indicates a significant contribution to the country’s economy, with Australia maintaining a goods trade surplus.Australia’s export activities are significant, with China being the largest partner at 29%, followed by Japan at 19% and South Korea at 10%. Key export commodities include coal, iron ore, natural gas, gold, and wheat.

Australia economy challenges in 2025

Australia continues to navigate economic shifts towards green energy. Despite a strong economy, it grapples with balancing mining and sustainability goals. The “Future Made in Australia” program aims to drive investments in renewable energy, but the transition poses hurdles in maintaining trade partnerships and economic stability.

Sources

• World Bank: Australia
• IMF: Australia
• CIA World Factbook: Australia
• ABS: International Trade
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• SIPRI: Military Expenditure

Last updated: June 20, 2026.