South Australia continues its strong export performance, recording a value of $12.1 billion in the 12 months to September.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show overseas goods exported from South Australia grew by 9.9 per cent for the year to September 2014.
“The latest ABS data confirms that local businesses continue to do well in their global exports of goods,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“For the eighth consecutive month, we have seen local exports exceed the $12 billion mark, reaching $12.1 billion in the year to September.
“South Australia continues to power ahead, recording the highest export growth in the nation – overtaking Western Australia (up 9.5 per cent) and Victoria (up 6.5 per cent), with the other states including New South Wales (down 2.1 per cent), Queensland (down 1.5 per cent) and Tasmania (down 8.1 per cent) recording a drop in exports over the 12 months.
“Our export growth over the year is well above the national average of 7.2 per cent recorded during the same period.
“These results remind us of the important contribution of exports in our State’s economy, creating new investment and job opportunities,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“We know that South Australian exports are highly regarded for their premium quality and we want to continue championing our products abroad, particularly in emerging Asian markets.
“That’s why the State Government is developing the South East Asia Engagement Strategy to broaden our opportunities and foster closer engagement with countries in this region.
“By working with communities, businesses and other interested groups, we can gain a better understanding of the sector capabilities, challenges, business goals and current engagement opportunities with South East Asia.”
For more information on South Australia’s South East Engagement Strategy, visit www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/what-we-do/south-australia-south-east-asia-engagement