TASMANIAN exports saw an increase over the past six months, according to a statement from state minister for infrastructure Jeremy Rockliff.
Exports through Tasmania’s ports over the first half of the 2018-19 financial year totalled 5.02m tonnes, an increase of more than 290,000 tonnes – or 6% – on the same period last year (4.73m tonnes).
Imports over the first six months of this financial year also grew to 2.93m tonnes, compared with 2.85m tonnes last year.
Exports included woodchips, cement and timber, general cargo, minerals, food and dairy products. Major imports included general cargo, minerals, fuel, tourist vehicles and trade vehicles.
Mr Rockliff said that Tasmania’s goods are increasingly in demand interstate and internationally, and Tasmania’s economic conditions are extremely positive, this sort of success is the result of “hard work and strategic management decisions”.
“TasPorts is responsible for the management and operation of all ports in Tasmania and works consistently and diligently with its various stakeholders and customers to facilitate imports and exports for the ultimate benefit of the state and its businesses,” he said.
“These improving numbers are testimony to that strategic management and demonstrate that Tasmania is open for business, attracting investment and creating new jobs.”
Mr Rockliff said the ongoing development of the state’s ports is a critical issue.
“TasPorts is currently implementing a $200m master plan to ensure our port facilities meet future export and import demand,” he said.
