Celery exports up by over 172 per cent

Australian celery exports have risen by over 172 per cent during the period 2011-12 to 2014-15, according to data obtained by AUSVEG and sourced from the Global Trade Atlas (GTA) database and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
 
The rise in the value of celery exports can be partly attributed to the weaker Australian Dollar over that time, which made imports of the Australian vegetable commodity more attractive to overseas buyers, as well as increased interest in key export markets.
                                                                                                                                      
“The export market for Australian fresh celery is experiencing a strong upward trend over the past four years, with an increase in value by over $1.66 million since 2011-12,” said AUSVEG Economist Andrew Kruup.
 
“This large scale export growth can be partly attributed to the 12.58 per cent decline in the value of the Australian Dollar over the same period.”
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing over 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.
 
The analysis into the celery market can be found in the latest edition of Veggie Stats, published in Vegetables Australia magazine. The analysis provides a breakdown of the Australian celery industry for both domestic and international consumption.
 
Malaysia and Singapore are Australia’s largest export markets for fresh celery, holding a combined 84.87 per cent share of total Australian celery exports for 2014-15.
 
“Celery is just one of the Australian vegetable industry’s strong export performers, with the total vegetable export market growing dramatically over the past three years. Global Trade Atlas figures show that it was worth over $270 million during the 2014-15 financial year, an increase of over 5.5 per cent in comparison to the 2013-14 financial year,” said Mr Kruup.
 
“Projections published by ABARES last week show that overall vegetable exports will continue to grow by a further $126 million up until 2020-21.”
 
“The future outlook for the Australian vegetable industry looks positive. Expanding export markets and reducing on-farm costs are important ways to ensure our industry remains economically viable against global competitors.” 

Economic activities in the vegetable industry are funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.