Defying the dismal trends in Asia and the developed world, Australia recorded a 4 per cent rise in exports in February.
Most economists expect Australia's trading performance to steadily deteriorate in the coming months, but February's trade surplus of A$2.1bn ($1.5bn, €1.1bn, £1bn), the second highest on record, will help buttress the economy during a time of rising unemployment and falling retail sales.
Many exporting nations have recorded double-digit drops in shipments in recent months. Indonesia and India this week reported declines for February from the year before of 33 per cent and 21.7 per cent, respectively. South Korea indicated continuing gloom through March, with a 21.2 per cent fall.