In the decade to 2008–09, Australia’s total industry exports (current prices) increased 150% to $285.5 billion. (Source: Austrade). The main recipients of Australian exports are Japan, which is Australia's largest export market, followed by China, the Republic of Korea, India and the United States of America.
Free Trade
To remain prosperous and increase our national wealth, Australia needs to ensure other countries want to “Buy Australian” and that we have access to these markets. According to Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, the way to encourage growth in Australian exports is to ensure the continuation of an open trade policy.
"We need to avoid any form of protectionist measure, which invites retaliatory protectionist measures from economies around the world, and that's what would happen," Mr Rudd said.
Our natural resources, quality agricultural products and manufactured goods and services must be competitive with those offered elsewhere.
But how can we ensure our overseas customers want to continue to Buy Australian? To be continued.
