Victoria Australia’s top food and grocery product exporter

Victoria has established itself as Australia’s leading export state, accounting for $10.6 billion (30.8 per cent) of the nation’s total export output.

The findings, contained in the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s (AFGC) new State of the Industry Report 2017-18, also showed the state’s food and grocery manufacturing export sector was also the nation’s fastest growing, recording 16.6 per cent year-on-year growth.

AFGC Deputy CEO Dr Geoffrey Annison said across the board Australian food and grocery manufacturers were increasing their global footprint, with Free Trade Agreement developments and government deregulation helping to opening up more export markets.

“Victoria’s food and grocery manufacturing sector continues to experience growth, especially in the export market, with the local industry harnessing export opportunities,” Dr Annison said.

“Across the board exports have increased and we have seen a 7.9 per cent increase to $34.4 billion output nationally, which is great for the Australian industry.

“However, given volatility in the global marketplace we need to see more investment by all levels of government to ensure the sector remains competitive on the global stage and continue to grow.”

China was Australia’s top export market, with a 45.3 per cent jump in exports recorded as local businesses continue to leverage opportunities presented by the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The United States and New Zealand remain key export markets.

Key findings:

• The AFG sector’s turnover was $122.1 billion, representing 4.5 per cent real growth.
• The sector provided 273,301 jobs, (+1.8 per cent), with 39.3 per cent in regional Australia.
• The sector saw record export revenues of $34.4 billion (+7.6 per cent).
• The total amount of imports was $33.4 billion (+3.3 per cent growth).
• China is Australia’s largest export market, increasing by 45.3 per cent due to opportunities unlocked through the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

 

Contact:

For more information contact Anne-Louise Brown, AFGC Manager, Communications
anne-louise.brown@afgc.org.au    0406 987 050