Australian Exports Reach Record Total

Northern Advocate, 25 October 1947, Page 6

Australian Exports Reach Record Total

SYDNEY, Sat. (11 a.m.).—lf ships can be found to carry them, Australian exports this year may be worth from £450.000.000 to £500,000,000-a total never previously approached. The record wheat harvest and the highest prices ever known for wheat and wool are mainly responsible for soaring export values. The Wheat Board has again increased the export price of wheat to 19/6 a bushel, f.0.b., for bulk wheat, and for wheat in bags. Some representatives of the trade expect prices to go higher still. The value of Australian exports this year is thus likely to be more than three times the pre-war figure of £140,000.000 in 1938-39. The previous record was last year when the total was £231,000,000. It is emphasised that the export return must depend on Australia’s ability to handle the record wheat harvest and on shipping. The value of the wheat surplus available for export is about £175,000,000.

Wool prices are rising steadily and the world demand is so keen that this season’s cheque may easily reach £130,000.000 to £150,000,000.

With a good season generally throughout Australia, exports of meats, butter and other foods, particularly to the United Kingdom also should show a great increase.