Confidence among Aussie exporters grows

Confidence among small business exporters is on the rise as the Turnbull Government pursues an ambitious trade agenda to open new markets.

The latest Efic's Exporter Sentiment Index, which I release today, shows confidence about international opportunities has grown among Australia's small business exporters. All key indicators have lifted significantly since the last survey in February 2017.

More than half of small business exporters surveyed (57 per cent) believe that they are in a better financial position than 12 months ago – an increase of six percentage points and close to two thirds (63 per cent) are confident that they will be in a better financial position in the next 12 months.

The increased confidence among Australia's small business exporters should create new jobs, with nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents expecting to increase their staff numbers over the next 12 months.

The positive results from the latest Index are a strong indicator the Turnbull Government's ambitious trade agenda is creating opportunities for small business and paying dividends.

Since 2013 the Coalition has concluded new free trade agreements with China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and many of the Pacific Island nations through the PACER Plus Agreement.

Recently I launched free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Pacific Alliance (Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru), Hong Kong and Peru and I am working towards launch of FTA negotiations with the European Union. Meanwhile momentum continues to build for Australia to conclude an agreement with Indonesia after I re-launched negotiations in 2016.

Opening new markets and facilitating trade is a cornerstone of the Turnbull Government's economic plan to deliver a growth agenda for Australia.

The Efic Exporter Sentiment Index can be found here: https://www.efic.gov.au/education-and-tools/research/efic-s-exporter-sentiment-index/