Media releases
Monday, December 09, 2002 - MVT158/2002
Growth in Manufactures Exports Threatened by Militant Unions
Exports of manufactured goods produced in Australia increased by
42 per cent in the last five years from $23 billion in 1996-97 to
$32.5 billion in 2001-02, Trade Minister Mark Vaile announced today.
"Motor vehicles had another very strong year, rising by 10 per cent
to $2.9 billion in 2001-02, while exports of motor vehicle parts
rose by 12 per cent to $953 million," Mr Vaile said.
"This is excellent news for the automotive industry, which employs
over 54,000 people, and bodes well for them meeting their target
of doubling export revenue to A$10 billion by 2010.
"With over 700 manufacturing enterprise agreements expiring in the
March quarter and roughly another 400 in June, the greatest danger
to automotive export growth remains militant unionism.
"During these negotiations I call on the AMWU to act with the interests
of the industry and its export nature in mind because this will protect
and enhance future employment in this important sector.
"Other Elaborately Transformed Manufactures which also performed
strongly during the year included mechanical handling equipment (up
40 per cent), aircraft parts (up 13 per cent) and paper manufactures
(up 32 per cent).
"The United States was Australia's main market for ETM's in 2001-02
taking $3.7 billion worth of Australian exports of these goods during
the year.
"Total exports of primary products rose by an average 9.3 per cent
per year over the last six years to reach $28 billion in 2001-02," Mr
Vaile said.
"Of Australia's top 20 export markets in 2001-02, 14 recorded increases
in the year with exports to Korea, our third largest market, rising
by six per cent to $9.2 billion."
This goods news is contained in the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade publication Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products,
Australia, 2001-02, released today.
Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, Australia 2001-02 provides
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
Section 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.
Media Contact: Robyn Bain +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 21-Nov-2008 16:52:52 EST
