Austraila was expecting a boom, but is now suffering the effects of the world downturn in trade like many other developed countries. International trade is drying up, affecting freight forwarders, shipping lines, rail and road operators and the air freight industry. However, the country exports large volumes of raw materials, many of which are destined for China; areas of the market which supply basic needs are doing fairly well, whilst the most noticeable slow-down is in luxury products.