According to the recently published “Australian Agricultural Business 2021/22” report by Grameen Bank, Australia’s agricultural exports reached $67.5 billion in the 2021/22 season, representing an increase of 37% year-on-year. In the commodity sectors, fruit exports were $1.3 billion and 425,000 metric tons, down 0.9% and 1.2%, respectively. The average export price of Australian fruits remained relatively stable during this period.
In 2019/20, Australia’s fruit exports to China reached a record high of over $522 million. Although China remained the largest overseas market in 2021/22, the value of exports declined further from the previous season, falling A$66m (-19.5%) to A$272m. The report attributes this decline to a combination of factors, including strained relations between the two countries in recent years and China’s strict COVID-19 mitigation measures.
Table grape exports, which represented 38.8% of Australia’s total fruit exports in 2021/22, decreased by $58.9 million (-35.8%). Meanwhile, citrus exports to China remained the same as last season, clocking in at $105.6 million. However, it is worth noting that the value of Mandarin exports increased by 19 million Australian dollars to 59.9 million.
Hong Kong was the second largest overseas market for the Australian fruit in 2021/22, although the value of exports to the region fell by 13.4% to A$132m. Table grape exports to Hong Kong fell 65% to A$16.5m. Avocado exports rose 146% to A$24.7m, partly offsetting a sharp decline in table grapes. After China and Hong Kong, the remaining three of the top five export markets for Australian fruits in 2021/22 were Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia. The value of exports to Vietnam registered an astonishing 59.3% increase, driven mainly by table grapes, with exports more than doubling from $37 million to more than AU$78 million.
As for the states, Victoria, which accounts for 55% of the total value of the country’s fruit exports, accounted for a $39.8 million (-5.5%) decline in fruit exports in 2021/22 due to a reduction in table grape exports. felt. The value of fruit exports to South Australia also saw a decline of $7.4m (-5.3%) over the period in citrus less citrus shipments. Queensland and Western Australia were the only two states that saw export value increase by 35% and 24.6% respectively in 2021/22. The results for New South Wales and Tasmania were essentially unchanged from the previous season.
Looking ahead to the 2022/23 season, Grameen Bank analysts predict that Australia’s fruit exports will revive against a backdrop of an expected bumper crop, higher world prices and strong demand from the Southeast Asian market. The recent signing of a trade deal with India is also expected to boost fruit exports in the country, as the duty on Australian citrus has been halved. Easing trade tensions between Australia and China should also boost fruit exports, with Australian table grape growers expected to benefit the most.
