Japan remains Australia's largest single export market, buying almost one-fifth of total merchandise exports. Among non-Asian markets, the most significant for Australian exporters are the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In total, these 10 markets accounted for 60 per cent of Australia's exports in 1999. Australia's export base has diversified over the past 15 years, thanks largely to new international business opportunities and greater competitiveness of Australian businesses. As a stable democracy with a well-educated work force, a tradition of innovation and a strong and expanding information infrastructure, Australia has developing strengths in services, advanced manufactures and intellectual property.
Tourism is one of Australia's largest and fastest-growing industries.
Tourism now accounts for 14 per cent of Australia's total export earnings and is Australia's leading services export item. The Australian Tourist Commission offers information to intending visitors in several European and Asian languages. Third in the English-speaking world behind the US and Britain, the number of overseas students in the higher education sector in Australia is increasing at a far greater rate than its larger competitors. Australian Education International provides useful information for intending students. Music, film, computer software and pharmaceuticals are among Australia's fastest growing export industries.