South Australian exports hit record high
Strong demand for grain, wine and metal has seen South Australian exports reach a record high $16 billion after a 22.7 per cent export growth in the 12 months to October.
Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
The boom is a significant increase on the previous record high $15.6 billion to the year ending September 2022.
South Australia’s two biggest export markets recorded growth in spending with the United States up 39 per cent to $1.5 billion and Malaysia up 27 per cent to $1.3 billion.
France, Taiwan and South Korea also recorded spikes in the purchase of South Australian goods.
Agriculture and metal commodities are driving the increase, with the two industries estimated to comprise nearly 70 per cent of South Australia’s exports of goods in the 12-month period.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen reduced supply of grain from Ukraine, with reduced supply also from Russia and Canada boosting demand for South Australian grain.
In November Grain Producers SA said extreme weather conditions had depleted crops in eastern states farms along with major producers like the United States and Canada.
A new market in Sudan has helped see wheat exports rise 58 per cent to $2.1 billion, with the country now South Australia’s third largest export destination.
Canola exports too have risen 210 per cent to $737 million, with new markets opening in Europe to supplement supply that once came from Ukraine and Canada.
Wine exports, still affected by tariffs imposed by China in 2021, recorded growth after increases across several markets including the US, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand with a 5.4 per cent increase to $1.4 billion.
Minister for Trade, Nick Champion said demand for copper ores and concentrates also remains strong following increased supply and growing demand to support global net zero emissions targets.
“Our state continues to expand its reputation as a world leader and that’s reflected in the new export markets now opening up,” Champion said.
“It’s great to see a bumper grain harvest and a local wine boom driving record levels of export value and growth.
“This record high is testament to unprecedented global demand for quality South Australian products.”