Mobile phone shipments increased by 30 per cent in August compared to the same month a year ago, according to the Informark industry figures.

 In August, 595,967 handsets were shipped to Australia compared to 455,833 for August 2008 – an increase of 30.7 per cent. Shipments in August 2009 were 6 per cent higher than the previous month, July (561,743).

The figures show that the annual rate of shipments is rising with 9.2 million handsets imported in the 12 months to August 2009.

August is traditionally a seasonally subdued month for shipments because companies are preparing for the peak Christmas sales period with spikes in shipments in October and November as stores stock up.

The latest figures can be viewed here.