Media Release
Australian produced exports of primary products such as food, fuels and minerals increased 50.7 per cent to $152.2 billion in 2008, according to a new report titled Exports of Primary and Manufactured Products, 2008 released today by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The increase was mainly driven by higher prices for coal and iron ore and concentrates, pushing values up 123.5 per cent for coal and 85.9 per cent for iron ore and concentrates.
In 2008, exports of manufactures rose 3.1 per cent to $40.9 billion.
Exports of Simply Transformed Manufactures (STM), mainly processed metals excluding nickel, rose 3.5 per cent to $16.0 billion. Exports of Elaborately Transformed Manufactures (ETM) rose 2.9 per cent to $24.9 billion. Within the ETM category, Australian exports of engineering products increased 10.7 per cent to $14.3 billion.
Japan ($50.5 billion), China ($32.3 billion) and the Republic of Korea ($18.2 billion) were the three largest export markets for Australian produced goods.
This publication is part of a series published each year by DFAT that provides comprehensive information on Australia's international trade in goods and services.
DFAT also offers a customised consultancy service, producing reports tailored to specific requirements. For further information please contact (02) 6261 3114, or fax (02) 6261 3321 or e-mail statssection@dfat.gov.au
The analysis and summary tables, and an order form for this publication (and others in the series) are available online. Hard copy orders can also be placed.
Media Enquiries: DFAT Media Liaison - 02 6261
1555