Business

Summary: In the 2023-2024 financial year, Australia's net immigration totaled 446,000 people, a decline compared to the previous year but still exceeding the government's target. International students make up the largest group of new immigrants, with India and China being the primary source countries. Political forces play a key role in shaping immigration policies.

Summary: The housing market in Australia is expected to see an overall increase of 4% to 6% in 2025, with Perth leading the growth. Sydney and Melbourne will experience slower price increases. The first half of the year will be weak due to cautious buying sentiment, while the second half will see a recovery, driven by population growth, interest rate cuts, and tax reduction policies.

Summary: The leaders of France, Germany, and Italy have met to oppose corporate protectionism and promote industrial policy. International concerns about growth are growing, with the IMF and World Bank discussing the topic in detail. Several countries are following China's lead, and the EU is strengthening cooperation, though with differing attitudes. The French finance minister has stated that industrial policy is no longer taboo.

Summary: The Tokyo real estate market is recovering, with landmark residential buildings in Shinjuku selling out quickly, and office rents leading global growth. Japan’s property market offers high value for money, attracting a large number of investors with low entry barriers and affordable sizes. While global housing prices are rising, Japan's market remains appealing.

Summary: Australian wine in the Chinese market has become more competitive due to tariff reductions, benefiting from the zero-tariff preferential treatment under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. With strong brand loyalty and technical guarantees, Australian wines have gained trust. The collaboration between the government and the industry is fostering market recovery, offering substantial growth potential.

Summary: The Australian property market in spring 2024 is showing mixed signals. While year-end and early-year periods are prime sales seasons, Sydney experienced its first price drop, coupled with a surge in property listings. Economists predict an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia in February next year, causing buyer hesitation and prompting homeowners to seek higher sale prices.

Summary: Japan was once known as the "Land of Gold," but it is no longer a major gold producer. Despite numerous international exploration companies flocking to Japan in search of new gold deposits, local dissatisfaction with exploration activities poses challenges for foreign companies. Will Japan reclaim its title as the "Land of Gold"? It may still be too early to tell.

Summary: Australia's housing construction industry is rebounding due to subsidies and rising interest rates, with building permits hitting new records. However, regional disparities exist, as Sydney's high land prices pose challenges for developers, prompting buyers to look to surrounding areas. Material costs are rising, and shovel - ready land for development remains costly.

Summary: Australia and the UAE have signed the CEPA, removing 99% of tariffs to boost trade and investment cooperation, particularly in clean energy, infrastructure, and high-tech sectors. The Business Council of Australia is leading high-level dialogues to deepen bilateral trade relations.