Supported by the State Government’s busiest ever international engagement program, South Australian businesses have led a rapid growth in goods exports.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said trade figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today show our local products are in high demand.

“South Australia’s exports are continuing to rise in the State Government’s key focus areas including premium food and wine, agriculture and advanced manufacturing products.

“Excluding minerals, petroleum, and grains, South Australian goods exports were up by 11% in the year to February 2016,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Key results include:

• wheat (up $333 million or 28%);
• ‘other/ confidential’ (which includes bulk barley) (up $245 million or 11%);
• wine (up $179 million or 16%);
• meat and meat preparations (up $148 million or 12%); and
• vegetables and fruit (up $136 million or 31%).

“Through engaging with international markets, South Australia’s business community is leading our transition away from a reliance on the automotive manufacturing and resources industries.

“More than 65,000 South Australian jobs are related to overseas exports and it is vital we continue to build on this market.

“More than ever we need to maximise our efforts to encourage small to medium enterprises to export to more destinations in larger quantities.

“The State Government is determined to ramp up its international engagement program to continue its support of these businesses.”

The value of goods exported by South Australia totalled $11.7 billion in the 12 months to February 2016, a 0.4% decline when compared to the previous 12 month period.

Nationally, exports totalled $245.6 billion in the 12 months to February 2016, down 6.3% when compared to the previous period.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said South Australia is ahead of the national average.

“These exports figures come in the midst of a national decline, sparked by fluctuating commodity prices and a softening in grain exports,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“South Australia’s export successes more than offset the negative impact of global trends – but there is more to be done.

“There has been a flurry of activity in the South Australian investment and trade sphere, including great outcomes under our TradeStart and Export Partnership Programs.

“This indicates a healthy appetite from South Australian businesses to explore global markets.”