News

According to the latest trade data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the state’s goods exports reached $18.4 billion in the year to May 2026, sailing beyond the previous record of $18.2 billion set just a month earlier.

The result was driven by large increases in:

• copper – up 41 per cent to $5.4 billion

• beef – up 39 per cent to $1 billion

• barley – up 60 per cent to $590 million

• lobster – up 43 per cent to $134 million

• tuna – up 80 per cent to $118 million

Our latest export markets continue to be China (up 5.7 per cent to $4 billion), the United States (up 32 per cent to $2.7 billion), India (up 44 per cent to $1.8 billion), and Malaysia (up 25 per cent to $1.5 billion).

South Australia’s export growth outpaced most of the nation, up 11.4 per cent, second only to New South Wales and far surpassing the national average of 3.7 per cent.

“To increase our exports by more than $220 million in a single month and reach a new all-time high of $18.4 billion is an outstanding achievement that reflects the growing strength and diversity of our economy,” said Minister for State Development Chris Picton.

The state’s exporters have been bolstered by the South Australian Government’s efforts to establish and re-establish direct international flights that not only support travel but also allow for air freight to transport more of our premium perishable products.

China Eastern recently launched its first ever direct flights from Adelaide to Shanghai, the world’s third-largest city and home to 30 million people – unlocking the potential for an additional 45 tonnes of Australian products into China each week.

“We’re focused on helping local businesses reach more customers around the world, because when our exporters succeed, it means more jobs, more investment and a stronger economy,” Minister Picton said.