ANOTHER billion-dollar surge in coal exports, plunging imports and a falling dollar have combined to lift Australia's trade balance to a record $3 billion surplus in October.

Trade is in a dive, and therein lies the risk of very serious supply chain disruption, writes David Hirst.

AUSTRALIA has finally scored the trade surplus that the Reserve Bank long predicted, but some analysts warn the result may be as good as it gets, given the weakening demand for commodities worldwide.

NORTH MELBOURNE forward Corey Jones has emerged as a surprise high-profile target of rival clubs in what shapes as an aggressive trade market.

NORTH Melbourne forward Corey Jones has emerged as a surprise high-profile target of rival clubs in what shapes as an aggressive trade market.