South Australian dairy exports have seen near-record highs with the Chinese export market hitting $4 billion for the first time, encouraging the extended funding of the TradeStart program.
Now valued at more than $150 million per year, SA dairy exports have grown by 23 per cent year-on-year.
More than 500 South Australian businesses have been supported over the past 12 months to grow their exports by TradeStart, a program co-funded by the Commonwealth and South Australian governments.
A new agreement announced today will see TradeStart funded until 2028, extending the employment of six advisers across the state.
These advisers specialise in helping businesses develop their export growth plans, access important grants, get expert regulatory advice, and tap into overseas in-market opportunities.
The most recent trade data released by the ABS shows South Australia exported 31.3 million kilograms of dairy products in the year to date, with all subcategories recording growth in both volume and value:
- Cheese – up 40.5 per cent to $71.4 million.
- Milk – up 4.6 per cent to $66.6 million.
- Dairy other – up 39.9 per cent to $12.7 million.
- Butter – up 1,316.1 per cent to $1.8 million.
By country, $20.8 million worth of cheese was sold to the Philippines (+18.4 per cent), $15.9 million to China (+93.2 per cent) and $13.3 million to Thailand (+6.8 per cent). $23.4 million worth of milk was exported to Thailand (+160.5 per cent), $22.7 million to Indonesia, and $8.8 million to China.
Adelaide’s The Yoghurt Shop is one of many dairy companies that has seen significant export growth since engaging with TradeStart, now exporting to nine countries across more than 5,000 retailers.
Member of the South Australian House of Assembly, Joe Szakacs, said the government is ready to support local producers who want to expand into overseas markets.
“Local businesses are producing highly sought-after, world-class goods every day, as evidenced by The Yoghurt Shop, which is now experiencing growth in a number of key international markets,” said Szakacs.
“The TradeStart program can provide opportunities and advice to our hardworking businesses with their premium products, whether they have established international markets, or are just looking to get their foot in the door.”
Advisers play a vital role in connecting businesses with more than 60 overseas trade offices through the Commonwealth and State governments’ global networks.
This extension marks the first time that the Australian Government’s TradeStart network has included all state and territory governments.
