Media Release
28 October 2009
Australian food industry sees bright export future in Asia
Speaking at the Australian Food and Grocery Council Industry Leaders Conference today, Parliamentary
Secretary for Trade, the Hon. Anthony Byrne MP, highlighted tremendous opportunity for Australian
food exports in Asia.
“Australia’s food, beverage and grocery industries turn over $100 billion, employ 315,000 Australians
and export $25 billion worth of goods each year, representing 25 per cent of total manufactured exports.
“This industry is comparable in size to the mining sector, and four times the size of the automobile
sector, contributing 2.5 per cent to GDP” said Mr Byrne.
“In 2008‐09, Japan was our largest food export market, with four of Australia's top ten export
destinations in Asia, and six in the Asia Pacific.
“Australia’s sophisticated food and beverage industry is set to further benefit from a range of factors
that will enhance Asia’s potential as an export destination.
“A rapidly growing middle class, regional consumer concerns over food quality and security, as well as
improved access through regional trade liberalisation are just some of the factors underpinning Asia’s
future trade appeal” said Mr Byrne.
“Australia's brand as a clean and green nation producing reliable, healthy products is strong platform to
take advantage of both rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences across the region.
“By 2020, about 70 per cent of China is expected to be middle class with the vast majority of Indians also
enjoying middle class incomes by 2040. These demographic shifts will have an enormous impact on
consumer spending patterns.
“Australia’s trade liberalisation agenda will also continue to assist our food exporters. When the
Australia/New Zealand ‐ ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) comes into force it will create a single
free trade zone of 600 million people, with a collective GDP of US$3.2 trillion.
“AANZFTA will also reduce tariffs in markets where Australia has no FTAs, such as Malaysia, Indonesia,
Vietnam and the Philippines, improving access in areas such as meat and livestock, fish, dairy products,
wine and spirits, as well as grains and horticultural products” said Mr Byrne.
In 2007‐08, Australia exported food worth A$4.3 billion to the ASEAN region and as the global economy
recovers and AANZFTA begins, we expect demand for our exports to increase
Media inquiries: Mr Byrnes Office 6277 4309.