Media release

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

August 15, 1999

Manufactured Exports Grow In Importance

Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, today said while primary products continue to dominate Australia's export base, manufactured exports continue to grow in importance.

Mr Vaile's comments follow today's release by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of its "Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia 1998" publication.

Mr Vaile said, "Primary products still account for 58% of merchandise exports, but manufactures have moved up from 22% to 28% over the past decade."

"In 1998, exports of Australian-made cars exceeded A$1 billion for the second year in a row after average annual growth of 34% over the last ten years.

"Wine exports have grown by 35% in 1998, and have gone on to break through the $A1 billion-a-year mark in the first half of 1999," Mr Vaile said.

Although exports to the Asia Pacific region fell, APEC still accounted for 70% of merchandise exports in 1998.

"Some of our less traditional markets performed well in 1998, with exports to the Middle East, for example, topping A$4 billion for the first time," Mr Vaile said

"The first half of 1999 has seen a lot more of an impact from the East Asian crisis, and lower US dollar commodity prices flow through into declines for our exports to many markets. But recent pick up in demand from East Asia and continuing health in big US and EU markets are good signs for the future."

Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia, 1998 provides a comprehensive analysis of goods exports focusing on the level of processing. Copies can be purchased for $40 by contacting the Market Information and Analysis Unit on Ph (02) 6261 3114 or Fax (02) 62613321.

The analysis and summary tables from the report will be placed on the Department's website at www.dfat.gov.au/publications/statistics.html. Orders for the publication can also be placed at this site.