Michael Aird, MLC Treasurer

Tuesday, 6 May 2008

Exports Still Buoyant
Exports from Tasmania remained at near record levels in the year to March 2008.
The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released today show exports were valued at $369 million in March 2008.
“This is the second highest monthly total since the data series began 20 years ago,” Mr Aird said.
“Despite easing by 2.4 per cent, the value of exports reached $3.52 billion in the year to March 2008.
“This strong export result is in line with the findings of the TCCI Survey of Business Expectations released today, which found that Tasmanian businesses reported growth in export sales in the March quarter.”
Mr Aird said Asia remained the most important export destination for Tasmania, with Japan being the single largest importer of Tasmanian goods in the year to March 2008, accounting for 19.4 per cent of the State's total exports.
Hong Kong was the second largest importer, accounting for 12.5 per cent of total exports in the year to March 2008.
Mr Aird said China and Hong Kong combined now accounted for almost 21 per cent of all Tasmanian exports.