Media Statements - WA's trade surplus hits $27.2billion

11/01/06

Western Australia has again bucked the national trend and recorded a $27.2billion trade surplus in the 12 months to November 2005.

This compares with a national trade deficit of $19.2billion.

Treasurer Eric Ripper said the latest ABS figures highlighted the ongoing strength of the WA economy.

“The State's export share over the year to November 2005 stands at 31.1 per cent of the national total, up from 29.7 per cent over the year to November 2004,” Mr Ripper said.

“In annual average terms, the value of our exports strengthened, rising by 21.9 per cent over the year to November to a record nominal value of $42.1billion.”

The Treasurer said the Gallop Government was building a strong economy by:

maintaining a highly competitive tax regime as a percentage of GSP;
spending a record $15.8billion on capital works over four years;
fast-tracking WA's system of approving major resource projects, with a further $25million recently announced by the Premier;
making WA an attractive place to invest by maintaining the State's AAA credit rating; and
tackling skills shortages by delivering 4,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships since February 2005.

Treasurer's office: 9222 8788