Trade Minister Mark Vaile today praised the efforts of Australian exporters who brought home another bumper trade surplus in June, forming an outstanding result for the 2000-2001 financial year.

Mr Vaile was commenting on figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing a seasonally adjusted trade surplus for June of $A537 million, and a trade surplus for the 2000-2001 financial year of $707 million in original terms.

"Australia has sustained its strong trade performance during the 2000/01 financial year despite a slowing global economy," Mr Vaile said. 

"Over the past year merchandise exports have risen 23 per cent and services exports are up 16 per cent.  This is a fantastic result for the Australian economy."

The trade surplus for 2000-2001 is the first annual trade surplus since the 1996/97 financial year.

Mr Vaile said Australian exporters had made exceptional gains across the full range of trading partners.  "Merchandise exports to East Asia - our most important market, taking more than half our exports - were up 25 per cent in the 2000/01 financial year to $64.6 billion.  Exports to our other major markets of the US and EU have grown strongly, rising by 21 per cent and 16 per cent respectively in 2000/01."

Exports of Rural commodities increased by 21 per cent over the past year to reach $28.5 billion, supported by a competitive Australian dollar and some improvement in commodity prices.  Wool and meat exports were especially strong, rising by 31 per cent and 29 per cent respectively in 2000/01. 

"These figures show that our rural industries are world class and that international trade continues to deliver income growth into regional Australia," Mr Vaile said.

Media Contact:
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 MVT104/2001

Note: Minister Vaile will hold a doorstop interview to welcome the figures at 1.30pm today at the Ministerial Entrance of Parliament House. A transcript will be available on the Minister's website this afternoon.