Research Project

Visual Analytics: Australian International Trade (1988–2023)

Uncovering trade patterns and dependencies to strengthen domestic manufacturing and export growth.

Overview

  • Analysis of 35 years of ABS trade data with emphasis on Machinery & Transport Equipment (Category 7).
  • Built Tableau dashboards and a storyboard to reveal trends, dependencies, and trade imbalances.

Problem Statement

  • Australia is heavily import-dependent for machinery and transport goods, creating a persistent trade gap and exposure to global shocks.
  • Goal: Use visual analytics to identify high-impact categories/subcategories and propose strategies to reduce import reliance.

Methodology

  • Data Preparation: Unified import/export dataset (1988–2023); created raw dollar, statistical (% share), and analytical (YoY %) views.
  • Techniques & Tools: Tableau dashboards, 7-step storyboard, annotated timelines (GFC 2008, COVID-19) for context.
  • Granularity: Main categories (10) and subcategories (67) with category–subcategory relationship visuals.

Key Insights

  • Top import category: Category 7 consistently ~40–44% of imports.
  • High-demand subcategories: Road Vehicles (78), Electrical Machinery (77).
  • Trade gap: Imports > Exports in machinery across the full period; exports minimal post-2008.
  • Event impacts: GFC dip; COVID-19 drop then strong import rebound, especially in machinery.

Recommendations

  • Invest in domestic manufacturing for road vehicles and electrical machinery (incentives, partnerships, tech transfer).
  • Enhance export capacity in machinery subcategories to access global markets.
  • Policy support & sustainability: transport optimization, emissions reduction, eco-friendly packaging.
  • Omnichannel logistics: improve Click & Collect, inventory visibility, last-mile efficiency.

Deliverables

  • Interactive Tableau dashboard (category & subcategory trends).
  • Storyboard (7 narrative points from macro trends to subcategory detail).
  • Data-prep methodology and annotated event timeline.

Project Impact

  • Guides policy and industry on reducing import dependency in critical sectors.
  • Supports resilience through targeted manufacturing and export strategies.
  • Clear, stakeholder-friendly visuals for faster decision-making.

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Dataset