SOUTH Australian exports to China reached an all-time high in the year to August 2024, up 46 per cent in the past 12 months to reach $4.27 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Included in that figure is the $680 million worth of South Australian barley and $395 million in wine exported to China since trade restrictions were removed five months ago.
Minister for Trade Joe Szakacs said he expects exports to continue trending upwards.
“China continues to be South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner with our state’s merchandise goods exports to the market reaching a record $4.27 billion, up 46 per cent on the previous year to August 2024,” he said.
“Building on this growth, South Australia is sending 26 representatives from local companies to exhibit at the upcoming China International Import Expo, one of China’s largest multi-sector trade shows, from November 5 in Shanghai.
“With the resumption of China Southern Airlines in December, I expect exports to continue to rise to China, particularly our fresh food products.
“Producers have not had direct freight access to the China market since flights were suspended in 2020, due to the global pandemic.”
Australia China Business Council SA president Sean Keenihan added the result reflected the focus on collaboration between government and industry in the past 12 to 18 months.
“This rapid and substantial bounce back in exports further diversifies our relationship with our largest export market across a wider range of goods and services with the resultant benefits felt by a wider range of South Australian households,” he said.
South Australia’s top three export markets are China, worth $4.27 billion, the United States, worth $2.13 billion, and India at $1.09 billion.