AIEx News

Strong export growth has helped Sydney Ports record its eighth consecutive year of container trade increases, Sydney Ports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Grant Gilfillan announced today.

 

“Latest trade figures for Port Botany show full container exports grew by 14.9% in the 2008-09 financial year,” Mr Gilfillan said.

 

“The higher exports of timber, cereals, machinery and transport equipment have been the primary drivers of the growth.

 

“Countries such as China, New Zealand, Japan and the United states continue to be the main consumers of these local products.

 

“Cereal exports (including wheat and barley) continue to grow strongly as a result of favourable growing conditions in the North West and Central West regions of the State, up 54.6% on last year.

 

“Another standout adding to growth is timber, with demand from China boosting timber exports by 71.3%.

 

“The depreciation of the Australian dollar in the first half of the financial year also improved the competitive position of NSW firms which in turn has contributed to the growth in exports.

“Despite the global economic downturn, total container trade through Port Botany, including imports, reached a record 1.784 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), up 0.3% compared to the previous financial year,” Mr Gilfillan said.

 

This included a record monthly throughput of 168,000 TEUs for November 2008. Full container exports to a number of countries have increased by more than 15%. These include:

                       

• China (up 31.1%)
• Korea (up 18.3%)
• Malaysia (up 39.6 %)
• Singapore (up 35.4%)
• Vietnam (up 75.1%)
• UAE (up 16.9%) and
• Papua New Guinea (up 21.3%).

 

Mr Gilfillan said that while the first six months of the financial year showed strong overall container trade growth, the second half of the financial year reflects the influence of the global economic slowdown.

 

“The global slowdown will still pose a challenge for Sydney over next twelve months, but with the increased investment in infrastructure such as the $1 billion Port Botany Expansion, Sydney Ports will be well placed to take advantage once the market improves,” Mr Gilfillan said.

 

 “Total trade for the financial year to 30 June 2009 was 27.8 million mass tonnes ― a decrease of 4.7% compared to the same period last year.

 

“This was mainly as a result of the cessation of the motor vehicle trade through Glebe Island in November 2008 and the reduction in crude oil imports,” Mr Gilfillan said.

 

Top Exports:

• Cereals (including wheat and barley) – 54.6% increase with most exports to Indonesia
• Timber – 71.3% increase with most exports to China
• Machinery and Transport equipment – up 24.3%.

 

Where does it go?

• Meat – the USA consumes 21% of all meat exported from Port Botany
• Waste Paper – China accepts more than 80% of waste paper exports.
• Chemicals – New Zealand is the destination for 25% of our chemical exports.

 

Top Imports:

• The leading import regions were dominated by:
• East Asia (44%)
• Europe (17%)
• South East Asia (15%)

 

The top imports include:

• Machinery and Transport Equipment
• Chemical products
• Paper products

 

For more details go to www.sydneyports.com.au/corporation/news

 

EXPORT CONTROLS FOR DEFENCE AND DUAL-USE GOODS

By The Defence Export Control Office

The Department of Defence is responsible for administering controls on the export of defence and dual-use goods, and the granting of authorisations to export, in the form of permits and licenses. Within Defence, this role is done by the Defence Export Control Office (DECO). 

DECO’s ROLE

If you require a permit or license to export your defence or dual-use item, you will require DECO’s assistance. DECO is the area for exporters to contact to seek export permits or licenses and obtain information on whether or not their goods are controlled. DECO also; -

• provides advice on the control status of goods; 
• authorises end-user and non-transfer certificates for the import of controlled defence and dual-use goods
• provides assistance with re-transfer approvals for foreign-sourced defence items
• delivers an outreach program that assists exporters in meeting their obligations under the relevant regulations and legislation; 
• monitors compliance with export controls and undertakes preliminary investigations in relation to non-compliance of those obligations;
• contributes to Australia’s international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through participation in multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes.

The export of goods and technologies designed or adapted for use by armed forces, or that can be used in the production of defence related goods and services are subject to control under the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations, Regulation 13E. All items subject to control are listed in the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL). Defence is also responsible for administering the Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 which covers the export of goods, technologies and services that could be used in a WMD program, that are not listed elsewhere under the Customs regulations.

OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Outreach program that DECO undertakes aims to educate exporters to enable them to meet their export control obligations. It also aims to raise awareness of the methods employed by some states and terrorist groups to obtain controlled goods. DECO Outreach provides training on export controls, produces brochures containing relevant information and publishes a newsletter. Export control information packs are also available from DECO.

For further information visit: www.defence.gov.au/strategy/deco or contact DECO - Ph: 1800 66 10 66 Email: deco@defence.gov.au

 

There has been a major shift in global risk sentiment over the last few months which triggered a big rally in equity markets, commodity prices and the Aussie dollar as well. Risk appetite has increased based on possible “green shoots” appearing in the form of slightly better U.S economic data however improving confidence levels have shown signs of wavering over the early part of this month as U.S company reporting season sends jitters through global investors.

This has seen the AUD slide from its earlier high above 82 cents and with the RBA leaving the door open to more rate cuts the Australian dollar looks vulnerable to more downside in the short term. Many analysts expect  Aussies fortunes to improve heading into 2010 and as such dips towards 75 cents are likely to be well supported.  Download the full report here >

The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Campbell Newman, is expected to be joined by over 60 business, civic, young professionals and academics from South East Queensland for a delegation to Incheon, Republic of Korea as part of the 2009 Asia Pacific Cities Summit from 15-17 September.

As Brisbane City Council’s signature international event, the Summit will provide a dynamic and interactive platform for pursuing trade and investment opportunities in the region. The Lord Mayor’s delegation will have access to special networking and hospitality events, marketing assistance, pre-departure and post-mission briefings as well as business networking opportunities with prominent local and international representatives.

Councillor Newman said he encouraged businesses to consider participating in the Summit, recognised as the region’s leading business and government forum since its inception in 1996.

“The Summit provides a unique and cost-effective international business and networking opportunity for new-to-market and mature exporters. Previous Summits have resulted in the establishment of beneficial relationships, business opportunities and leads for many South East Queensland businesses,” the Lord Mayor said.

The Summit is expected to attract up to 1,000 delegates, including civic and business leaders, decision makers and academics from the Asia Pacific region. The event will also facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge and successes among cities in the Asia Pacific.

This year’s theme is Creative Urban Development and discussion topics will include innovation in master planning, sustainability, culture and diversity and economic development. Following the visit to Republic of Korea taking in the cities of Incheon, Seoul and Daejeon, Cr Newman will travel to Taiwan for further business and trade talks.
 
If you would like further information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/apcs or phone Judy Liu, Team Leader International Collaborations, Lord Mayor’s Administration Office on (07) 3403 6026.