South Australian exports at new high

South Australian exports have again powered to a record high, growing to more than $12.2 billion in the 12 months to March.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics trade figures show overseas goods exported from South Australia for the year to March 2014 grew by 14% year on year, outpacing the nation.

The ABS figures published today show national exports grew 10% in the same 12-month period, with all the States lagging behind South Australia’s performance.

Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister Susan Close said South Australian exporters had again exceeded the $12 billion mark after rising to $12.1 billion in the 12 months to February.

Dr Close said the latest export data is the seventh consecutive 12-month figure to total $11 billion or more.

“A bumper harvest, a slightly improved exchange rate and increased volumes of mineral exports are helping to power this record performance for South Australia,” she said.

“While this result is heartening, there is more we can do to support our agribusiness and manufacturers to identify and seize new market opportunities.

“This Government has implemented trade engagement strategies that aim to maximise our exporters’ ability to capture an increased market share in the regional power houses of China and India.

“Setting export records month-after-month provides us with a strong foundation for an even better performance especially as our food manufacturers and premium wine makers make greater inroads into overseas markets.”

South Australia’s 14% growth in the 12 months to March compares to 13% for Western Australia, 9.7% for Victoria and 1.8% for Queensland.

Both New South Wales and Tasmania again recorded decreases, with declines of 1.5% decline and 9.8% respectively in the 12-month period.

News Release Trade Minister Susan Close

06 May 2014  http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/14_05May/exports.pdf