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Media release
Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile
Wednesday, 13 June 2001
Exports set new records
Australian export figures released today show record performances across all export sectors for last year, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
The figures are included in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publication Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia, 2000, which Mr Vaile released today.
"Exports of primary products (mining and agriculture) shot up by 34 per cent, to $64.4 billion, accounting for 62 per cent of merchandise exports," Mr Vaile said.
"The strong performance for exports of high tech and other products requiring complicated production techniques saw a 17 per cent growth last year, reaching $19.5 billion and making 2000 a record year.
"Exports of products known as Elaborately Transformed Manufactures (ETMs) which include sophisticated products such as electronic components, computer equipment, motor vehicles and parts and a variety of other machinery and household equipment, have been growing at an average rate of 12 per cent per year since 1990," Mr Vaile said.
"In the last ten years, exports of ETMs grew from 12.5 per cent of Australia's exports to 18.6 per cent," Mr Vaile said.
"These exciting figures are the result of five years of sound economic management, including tax reform, that has allowed Australia's exporters to concentrate on doing what they do best, either making opportunities, or taking advantage of them as they present themselves."
As examples of the success of the manufacturing sector in 2000, exports of motor vehicles rose 41 per cent to $2.1 billion, and exports of scientific instruments were valued at $1 billion for the first time.
"Exports of goods and services generated earnings of $142.5 billion in 2000 and continue to contribute significantly to Australia's overall economic growth and employment. The latest national accounts reveal export earnings were 17.5 per cent higher in the March quarter of 2001 than for the same period last year, indicating they are likely to remain a mainstay of the economy this year," Mr Vaile said.
Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia 2000 provides a comprehensive analysis of goods exports over 10 years, focusing on the level of processing of export commodities. Copies can be purchased for $32 by contacting the Market Information and Analysis Unit on Ph (02) 6261 3114 or Fax (02) 6261 3321.
MVT88/2001
Local Date: Friday, 21-Nov-2008 01:04:56 EST