News
SA losing ground on exports |
Thursday, 3 September 2009
The Rann Government’s own target of tripling the value of South Australian exports to $25 billion by 2014 is in tatters after ABS figures released today revealed the state has seen a fall of 9.7 percent in goods export value – to put the figure at just $9.3 billion.
Figures show that in real terms – meaning figures adjusted for inflation – the value of exports has actually declined since 2001-02 when the Liberals were last in office.
Shadow Treasurer Steven Griffiths said the state’s sluggish growth in the value of export goods was the worst of all states.
“Even the flagging NSW economy outpaced South Australia by growing its exports by 26 percent,” Mr Griffiths said.
“The Rann Government is quick claim credit for South Australia appearing to have resurfaced relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis so how does it explain its deplorable record on exports?
“The concern is for jobs and business prosperity in South Australia.
“The Rann Government’s high WorkCover levies, payroll and land taxes are making South Australia uncompetitive on the international stage.
“South Australia is a long way from achieving the State Strategic Plan target of a value of $25 billion in exports by 2014.
“The target was originally 2013 but realising it would never reach it by then the Rann Government pushed it out to 2014.
“South Australian businesses and industries that rely on the export market are being deserted by the Rann Government.”
|
Commodity Group
|
12 months to July 09
|
Change from previous year
|
Share of total exports
|
|
Meat & meat preparations
|
567.5
|
21.2%
|
6.1%
|
|
Wheat
|
681.2
|
12.5%
|
7.3%
|
|
Wine
|
1,541.5
|
-15.0%
|
16.6%
|
|
Wool & Sheepskins
|
130.7
|
-22.6%
|
1.4%
|
|
Machinery
|
357.6
|
-6.9%
|
3.8%
|
|
Metals & metal manufactures
|
1,796.2
|
-11.3%
|
19.3%
|
|
Fish and crustaceans
|
342.9
|
2.3%
|
3.7%
|
|
Road vehicles, parts & accessories
|
882.6
|
-42.7%
|
9.5%
|
|
Petroleum & petroleum products
|
151.1
|
-34.0%
|
1.6%
|
|
Other/Confidential (inc bulk barley)
|
2,843.2
|
4.5%
|
30.6%
|
|
Total
|
9,294.5
|
-9.7%
|
100.0%
|