Media Release

Thursday 28 August 2003 - AO41/2003

Export Opportunities On The Up For Australian Manufacturers

Trade Minister Mark Vaile has welcomed a Productivity Commission report released today highlighting growing export opportunities for Australia’s manufacturing industry.

According to the Productivity Commission report Trends In Australian Manufacturing, manufacturing exports increased from just over 15 per cent of manufacturing output in 1989‑90 to around 24 per cent in 1999‑2000.

“The manufacturing industry has become increasingly globally oriented, with sustained export growth and strong inward and outward investment links,” Mr Vaile said.

“The Productivity Commission’s findings reinforce the growing importance of export for Australian manufacturers, and the benefits that it has both to our economy and to local job creation.

“Manufacturers compromise a large proportion of Australia’s top 20 fastest growing export industries and this report signals a clear growth in international demand for the types of goods and services we have on offer.

“Some of the key growth areas include prefabricated building materials, wine manufacturing, shipbuilding and motor vehicle body and automotive component manufacturing.”

According to Austrade research just 13 per cent of Australian manufacturers currently export, despite the significant contribution manufacturing makes to Australia’s exports.

Through Austrade, the Government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to achieve it’s goal of doubling the number of exporters by 2006 by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in entering the international market place.

“The Federal Government is committed to assisting Australia’s manufacturers into export, thereby creating community wealth and promoting job creation,” Mr Vaile said.

Contact:  Matthew Doman (Mr Vaile’s office) 02 6277 7420