AS trade ties with South Australia’s biggest export market, China, pick up after months of decline, the demand for the state’s exports continues to rise.

In the 12 months to November 2022, local exports hit $15.9bn – up 22 per cent on the previous year, and just shy of the recent record-high $16bn to the year ending October 2022.

Strong prices, good seasons and reduced global supply have led to big increases in our second (the United States, up 38 per cent to $1.5bn) and third (Malaysia, up 35 per cent to $1.3bn) biggest export markets – largely driven by refined metals, wine and meat.

The increased demand for canola across Europe led to huge spikes in France (up to 595 per cent) and Belgium (up 182 per cent), with both markets looking to SA after previously relying on war-torn Ukraine and drought-affected Canada.

“It’s clear demand for our world-class exports continues to grow and South Australian businesses and producers are taking advantage,” said SA Minister for Trade and Investment, Nick Champion.

“We want to keep building trade ties with our biggest export partner while tapping into new and emerging markets.

“Opening up these partnerships will ensure a big year for local industries and help create jobs.”

Exports from China remained steady of the past 12 months at $2.2bn, following a low of $1.85bn to the year ending June 2022 – showing a gradual turnaround in trade after tariffs were imposed on products such as wine.

The value of wine exports – SA’s third biggest commodity, up 5 per cent to $1.3bn – turned around to growth after boosts in other markets including the US, Canada, Malaysia and Thailand.

Wheat exports were up 60 per cent to $2.2bn, fuelled by new markets in Sudan and South Korea, plus increases to several existing markets including China.

Global supply pressures also caused the average export price of wheat to increase by 39 per cent from $350 per tonne to $486 per tonne, benefiting local producers.