Australia has posted its second biggest monthly trade surplus on record.
Official figures show Australia's surplus has risen for a second month in a row to almost $A1.5 billion.
The ABC reports the surplus climbed almost 20% from August to September and is the biggest since June 1997.
The value of exports rose by 8% to $A26.5 billion. Imports rose 7% to $A25 billion.
Federal Trade Minister Simon Crean says it is further reason to be confident the Australian economy is well placed to withstand the global financial meltdown.
