The production and export of livestock and wine continues to lead the growth.
Rural commodities remain a strong export earner for Australia.
Production and export of meat and meat preparations continue to rise, with exports up by a strong 26.8per cent for March, to be 37 per cent higher over the past year. Other significant commodity export increases in March were wool and sheepskins, up 40 per cent and cereal and cereal preparations, up 17.8 per cent. Mr Truss also welcomed the news that March wine exports were higher, with increases in their quantity and value of 12.2 per cent and 25.4 per cent respectively. In March 2001, 31.5 million litres of wine were sold domestically and 27.3 million litres were exported. This increase in both domestic and international wine sales reflects the value that consumers both here and overseas place on Australian wine products.