It’s official – 2017 was the best year for Queensland exports

Queensland earned a record $69.6 billion from exports last year, new ABS data has confirmed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the value of the State's exports increased dramatically during 2017, up by $14.3 billion from the $55.3 billion recorded in in 2016.

“Queensland is the export State.  Our exports are growing at a faster rate than the national exports, which grew at an impressive but slower rate of 16% last year,” the Premier said.

“For every four dollars Australia earns from exports, one of those dollars is generated in Queensland.”

“Key contributors to the 2017 result was resilience in the resources sector and cropping, including pulses.”

The 2017 result is more than $25 billion higher than the $43.4 billion returned in 2014 – the last full calendar year of the former Newman LNP Government.

“In 2014, Queensland exports were declining.  Unlike our predecessors, my Government has focused on trade and as the new Trade Minister I am working with business and industry to target new opportunities and strengthening existing markets,” the Premier said.

“Developing our export markets around the world is critical to creating jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders.  Since the 2015 election, the Government has worked with business and industry to create 143,400 new jobs.”

Link to the 2017 calendar year trade data http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/exports-qld-goods-overseas/exports-qld-goods-overseas-201712.pdf

Media contact:

Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875