CANBERRA: Free trade agreements secured with China, Japan and South Korea have seen an increase in the exports of Australian fruit. According to new research by market research analyst IBISWorld, released today, fruit & veg exports from Australia to Asia, especially to countries that have FTAs with Australia, will continue to grow for at least the next five years. IBISWorld senior industry analyst, Sam Johnson, said although many tariffs would remain for some years, Australian farmers had been busy forging supply links with wholesalers and retailers across China, Japan and South Korea. “According to IBISWorld, exports in the citrus, banana and ‘other fruit’ growing categories will generate $689.6 million in the current financial year,” Mr Johnson said.
“Australian almonds have performed particularly well, outpacing robust export growth across the overall industry. Water shortages that adversely affected Californian growers, the world’s largest supplier of almonds, also pushed global prices upwards over 2015 and 2016.” Almonds weren’t alone however, vegetable exports also saw a substantial increase from the FTAs according to Mr Johnson. “According to IBISWorld, exports of vegetables will generate $303.7 million in 2016-17,” Mr Johnson said. “Asparagus exports to South Korea have driven some growth over the last five years, rising in value by 123 per cent between 2014 and 2015. “Other vegetables that have been successful in China, Japan and South Korea under the FTAs include lettuces, broccoli and broccolini, beans, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, celery and peas.” The total value of Australian vegetable exports to China alone increased from $570,000 in 2014-15 to $17.2 million in the following year.
