Record Exports for April

Australian exports rose 5 per cent to reach a record $16.9 billion for the month of April, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Mark Vaile said today.

"This was the second highest level ever for monthly exports reflecting the growth in the resources, manufacturing and services exports and continues our recent strong export performance," Mr Vaile said.

Resources exports rebounded in April rising by 5 per cent to $5.6 billion after exports from Western Australia, which had been significantly disrupted by cyclones in March, resumed their strong growth trajectories, according to the ABS April International Trade in Goods and Services figures released today.

Exports of LNG and petroleum products rose 15 per cent, while exports of metal ores and minerals (including iron ore) increased by 6 per cent.

"Reflecting the rise in exports, the trade deficit narrowed by $416 million to $1.1 billion in April," Mr Vaile said.

Imports rose 2 per cent, in part reflecting higher imports of goods for further processing, which is largely made up of gold imported for refining and re-export.

"This continues the strong export performance over the past ten months and exports are on track for very strong growth and another record in the 2005-06 financial year," said Mr Vaile.

Exports have grown a very strong 17 per cent in the ten months to April 2006.

The figures underline the strong growth in exports to North Asia. In the past 12 months, there was a 40 per cent increase in merchandise exports to China and a 26 per cent increase in merchandise exports to Japan. Elsewhere, strong growth has also been recorded in exports to India, the European Union and ASEAN.

"The Federal Government is removing restrictions on businesses, investing in export infrastructure, and pursuing the most ambitious trade agenda in Australia's history - measures which will continue to open up growth opportunities for our exporters," Mr Vaile said.

Contact: Mr Vaile's Office 02 6277 7420, Departmental 02 6261 1555, Austrade 02 9390 2701