The line graph illustrates the proportion of Australian exports destined for Japan, the US, China, and India between 1990 and 2012. Overall, it is clear that China’s share of exports grew substantially, whereas Japan’s share followed a downward trend. The US and India remained relatively minor destinations throughout the period.
In 1990, Japan was the leading destination, accounting for 27% of Australian exports. However, this figure gradually declined to 18% by 2012. Conversely, China’s share started at a mere 2% in 1990 and remained low until 2000. From 2000 onwards, there was a sharp upward trajectory, with China’s share rising to 13% in 2005 and reaching 30% by 2012, making it the most significant trading partner among the four.
Regarding the US and India, both countries saw fluctuating export shares. The US began at 12% in 1990, dipped to 9% in 1995, peaked again at 12% in 2000, and ultimately fell to 7% by 2012. India’s share remained below 2% until 2000, after which it climbed to a peak of 8% in 2010 before declining slightly to 6% in 2012.