Trade reaches new high in July

By Business SA, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive, Martin Haese

Published in The Advertiser SA Business Journal on Tuesday 31 August 2021.

One of the services that Business SA provides for the business community across South Australia is the processing of certificate of origin document preparation for exporters. We provide this service to assist South Australian producers and suppliers to send their goods all around the world. Business SA, as South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and part of the Australian Chamber network, is the largest provider of this service in the state.

In what may seem like an unlikely scenario, Business SA during the month of July set a record for the number of export documents processed. When my international trade team informed me of the record-breaking month with over 2,700 export documents processed, I couldn’t help but think what this number means for South Australia as a whole.

These numbers demonstrate the favourable position that some our members and South Australia finds itself in during this global pandemic. Our role in the export of goods is to verify their origin, certifying that their place of growth, production or manufacture is indeed South Australia.

A mandatory component of the complex exporting process for many destination countries, we see a busy month of stamping as a very positive sign for the South Australian economy, particularly for the agricultural sector.

With winter not providing the best conditions for crops, and another COVID-19 induced lockdown in July, the odds for a prosperous month were against us in South Australia. Nonetheless, demand from for our goods from China, Japan and South Korea led the way as top destinations for the export of fruits, nuts and grain which accounted for over 50 per cent of produce dispatched.

However, I am not too surprised. Business SA understands and appreciates South Australia’s top-quality produce and works closely with many outward looking and entrepreneurial members to support them as they build their businesses.

We are known around the world for being fiercely competitive in international markets with our premium goods, putting quality above all else, followed by the ability to fulfil growing demand, particularly for wheat which remains our biggest export.

The fact that in the midst of restricted travel, and trade tensions abroad, it is a testament to our resilient producers that they remain on a solid trajectory of growth during this uncertain time.

It’s clear now more than ever how adaptable South Australian exporters are, as they defy the odds and adjust to every twist and turn during this global pandemic.

With national borders closed for now, it’s our exporters who are keeping us connected with global markets. As CEO of Business SA, South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I am proud that my team plays a vital role in supporting our members in the export sector.

Business SA offers a range of services to local exporters, with an expert team experienced in certificate of origin documentation, free trade agreements and ATA carnet documentation.?