Exports of Australian primary products such as food, minerals and fuels increased by 29 per cent to $70.5 billion in 2000-01, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.

This good news is contained in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publication Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia, 2000-01,  released by Mr Vaile today, and follows Australia's record trade surplus in 2000-01.

"Exports of unprocessed primary products rose by 30 per cent to $45.5 billion in 2000-01," Mr Vaile said.

 "Wool exports increased 28 per cent to $3 billion and wheat exports rose by 21 per cent to $4.1 billion during the year.  Coal and iron ore also performed strongly, rising by 30 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.

"Exports of processed primary products also grew strongly, rising by 28 per cent to $25.1 billion.  In particular, beef exports rose by 29 per cent to $4.1 billion while milk exports grew by 39 per cent to $1.6 billion.  Overseas sales of wine continued to excel in 2000-01, rising by 28 per cent to $1.8 billion. 

"Japan was the main market for our primary products in 2000-01, with exports rising 22 per cent to $15.2 billion."

Mr Vaile also noted that exports of primary products to the United States increased by 36 per cent over the year to $4.3 billion.

He said exports of Australian-produced manufactured products also performed strongly in 2000-01, rising by 15 per cent to $32.8 billion.  Exports of elaborately transformed manufactures (ETMs), which included sophisticated products such as electronic components, computer equipment, motor vehicles and parts and a variety of other machinery and equipment rose by 15 per cent to $20.7 billion.

Passenger motor vehicles were also high performers, having their third consecutive strong year - exports were up 48 per cent to $2.6 billion.  Exports of scientific instruments, such as medical and veterinary appliances, and optical equipment rose by 31 per cent to pass the $1 billion mark for the first time. 

Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia 2000-01provides a comprehensive analysis of goods exports over 10 years, focusing on the level of processing of export commodities.  Copies can be purchased for $35 by contacting the Market Information and Analysis Unit on Ph (02) 6261 3114 or Fax (02) 6261 3321.  The main features and analysis from the report will be available on the Department's website at www.dfat.gov.au/publications/statistics.html.  Orders for the publication can also be placed at this site.