Highlights
- Gold emerges as a top export for Australia amid global volatility
- Prices remain strong despite easing geopolitical tensions
- Export volumes to grow even as total revenues dip
Australia’s gold sector is proving to be a standout performer amid ongoing global uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and softening commodity prices. As other minerals face pressure, gold is fast becoming the country’s third-largest commodity export, expected to generate around $56 billion in earnings by next year — trailing only iron ore and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
This golden momentum is underpinned by strong pricing, with current spot levels around US$3,329.53 per ounce. The recent boost in demand followed legislative developments in the US, which prompted investor interest in gold as a defensive asset. Market watchers are anticipating gold to hover between US$3,100 and US$3,500 per ounce through Q3 2025, as global tensions ease and economic growth stabilizes.
Global Tensions and Domestic Gains
While international trade friction and regional instability—particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe—have impacted several resources, Australia's gold industry remains resilient. The Department of Industry, Science and Resources projects that despite an overall drop in mining and energy revenue, gold will continue to shine thanks to consistent export demand.
Companies like Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST), Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN), and Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM) are well-positioned within this trend, benefiting from solid operational footprints and cost management strategies.
Revenue Outlook and Market Sentiment
The June 2025 Resources and Energy Quarterly outlines a downward trend in total export earnings: $385 billion in 2024–25, easing to $369 billion in 2025–26, and further to $352 billion in 2026–27. However, this decline is largely attributed to softening global commodity prices, not volume reductions. In fact, the forecast points to marginal increases in export volumes, particularly for high-demand resources like gold.
Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King reaffirmed Australia’s role as a dependable global supplier. She emphasized that while price cycles are natural, Australia’s competitive edge and resource reliability remain intact.
As the global landscape evolves, gold continues to function as both a financial hedge and a strategic asset. Australian miners are leveraging this backdrop to reinforce their market standing, with stocks such as Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) and Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) maintaining active development pipelines.
With solid fundamentals and enduring demand, gold’s status as a resilient performer in Australia's resource economy appears well-grounded—even as broader commodity revenues soften.