Australian regional exporters are rising to meet the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, with an 8.2 per cent increase in rural exports posted for the month of October.
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Data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics revealed that rural exports up $264 million from September.
In October, Australia recorded a trade surplus of $7.5 billion, the 34th consecutive month of surpluses.
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The strong performance of the agricultural sector was underpinned by recoveries in exports of wool and sheepskins, which were up 10.4 per cent to $180 million, while meat exports were up 9.1 per cent to $1.2 billion.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Gee said the trade results were a testament to the hard work of regional producers.
"Despite the challenges of this year, our Australian farmers continue to demonstrate strength and resilience," Mr Gee said.
"Agricultural exports are critical to Australia's economic recovery.
'That's why the government has been making necessary investments in the regions to boost farm exporters, ensure an agricultural workforce and build resilience to drought, floods and bushfires."
The 2020-21 Budget included a $328 million Busting Congestion for Agricultural Exporters Package to modernise Australia's export systems and an additional $317.1 million to extend the International Freight Assistance Mechanism until mid-2021.
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