EXPORTS of coal, LNG and beef have been flagged as reasons for an increase in value of Queensland exports in the 12 months to November 2018.
Trade figures for the 12 months to November 2018 showed Queensland’s goods exports at $80.5bn, a record 12-month total, according to the government, and 12.4% higher than the $71.6bn total for the same period a year earlier.
The November figure was also a rise from the $79.bn in the 12 months to October 2018.
Acting Premier and trade minister Cameron Dick said the strong growth of exports in November was excellent news.
“Queensland continues to export more goods than New South Wales and Victoria combined,” Minister Dick said.
Mr Dick said export prices for Queensland’s two most valuable exports, coal and liquefied natural gas, had increased markedly during the past two years, driving the total value of Queensland’s goods exports higher.
Coal exports rose $4bn in the 12 months to November 2018, to $43bn.
LNG exports increased by $3.7bn in the 12 months to November 2018, to $13.1bn, driven by an increase in prices.
Beef exports rose $710m to $5.3bn in the 12 months to November 2018. Dry weather conditions reportedly encouraged graziers to unload cattle stock, increasing beef export volumes.
Minerals exports increased $1.6m in the 12 months to November 2018, to $10.4bn, driven by increases in the value of mineral exports such as aluminium, zinc and lead.
“Trade equals jobs and the Queensland Government is working hard to build and strengthen Queensland’s trade relationships,” Minister Dick said.
“This includes 15 offices around the world managed by our global business agency Trade and Investment Queensland. These figures show we are on track to keep growing exports for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”
