According to Australia's Trade by State and Territory 2008–09 report published by Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Western Australia's overall exports were greater than the other states, with its natural gas exports rising by 58.1 per cent to $7.6 billion. Gas exports in the Northern Territory also rose sharply by 135.5 per cent to $2.5 billion.
Meanwhile, New South Wales recorded a drop in refined petroleum product export figures by 14.1 per cent to $1.4 billion in the 2008–09 year.
All states and territories with the exception of South Australia and Tasmania recorded increases in overall exports compared with the previous financial year.
Federal Minister for Trade Simon Crean said “Strong commodity prices, demand from China and Australia’s diversified trade base were factors in the resilient performance of the nation’s exports in the face of the global economic crisis.”
