Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
D13
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today released three new e-Publications
which focus on Australia's trade flows and trends with East Asia, the European
Union and the Americas.
Each publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the growth, direction
and composition of Australia's merchandise and services trade with each region.
Individual reports for each country provide major economic indicator data
and information on Australia's significance as a trading partner.
Australia's Trade with East Asia
The value of Australia's total trade in goods and services to East Asia
rose 13 per cent in 2004 to $153.6 billion and accounted for 47 per cent
of Australia's world trade. Coal ($9.1 billion), iron ore ($5.7 billion)
and crude petroleum ($3.8 billion) were Australia's largest merchandise export
items to East Asia in 2004, with the most important markets being Japan,
China, Republic of Korea and Singapore.
Australia's Trade with the European Union
In 2004 total trade in goods and services to the EU rose two per cent to
$62.4 billion, accounting for 19 per cent of Australia's world trade. Coal
($1.9 billion), alcoholic beverages ($1.3 billion) and gold ($1 billion)
were Australia's largest merchandise export items to the region in 2004.
The United Kingdom was the largest export market within the EU, followed
by Germany, the Netherlands and Italy.
Australia's Trade with the Americas
Australia's trade with the Americas, valued at $49.6 billion in 2004, accounted
for 15 per cent of Australia's world trade. Major merchandise exports to
the Americas included beef and veal ($1.5 billion), alcoholic beverages ($1.1
billion), crude petroleum ($555 million), coal ($528 million) and passenger
vehicles ($504 million). Exports to the United States dominate Australia's
trade with the Americas with the United States accounting for 77 per cent
of exports, Canada accounting for 13 per cent and Central America, the Caribbean
and South America accounting for the remaining 10 per cent.
The publications (priced at $20 each or $55 for the set of three) are the
first electronic publications to be added to the series of trade publications
published each year by DFAT. E-mailed in pdf format, the publications can
be purchased through the Market Information and Analysis Section (ph 02 6261
3114, fax 02 6261 3321 or e-mail).
Media enquiries: Nicole Guihot, DFAT Media Liaison, (02) 6261 1555