Media release

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

Tuesday, August 29, 2000

Exports continue strong growth trend

Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, today welcomed the latest trade figures showing the strong growth in exports is continuing.

Mr Vaile said the trade figures for July show exports rose 2% ($241m) from June to $11.9bn – 27% above their level of July 1999.

"Rural exports led the charge, up 12% ($251m) to $2.3 billion, a new monthly record, and 23% higher than their level of July 1999.

"Exports of meat and cereals performed strongly, and while there was a dip in exports of wool and sheepskins the value of those exports ($272m) was still more than 50% above July 1999," Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile said transport equipment exports continued to post big gains – up 34% in July ($444m) to be 35% higher than a year ago, while services exports jumped 26% to $2.8bn, with travel services exports soaring 62% in July to $1.44bn.

Mr Vaile said in the year to July, the total value of exports grew 15% to $128.25bn, with merchandise exports up 17%.

Merchandise goods exports to East Asia were up 20%, accounting for 53% of Australia's total merchandise exports.