Some of the ASX 200 companies that drove Australian exports to record levels

ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) companies have undoubtedly aided Australia’s record $8.1 billion trade surplus in February. The figure, courtesy of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), represents 3 consecutive months of an $8 billion+ trade surplus.

Both imports and exports grew by 2% in the period. The value of imports rose by $577 million, mainly due to an increase in road vehicles, especially eclectic vehicles. Increasing car sales are seen by some as a reflection of growing consumer confidence. The value of exports increased by $502 million. The main driver of this was metals other than iron (up 38%), cereals (up 14%), meat (up…