POPULAR WORDS

A 4% rise in exports shows there is growing international confidence in Australia's exports, Trade Minister Mark Vaile says. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show exports rose by $500 million on December results, with January figures showing a seasonally adjusted trade deficit of $308 million, down from $358 million in December. "Interestingly, imports too have risen 4%, representing strong consumer confidence in the Australian economy," Vaile says. "Global economic circumstances remain a challenge for Australian exporters, nonetheless, today's figures demonstrate confidence in Australian products abroad." Cereals and tourism were the best performing in January, both up 33%, coal is up 11% and metals up 12%. Exports to Australia's largest trading partner, Japan, rose by 2%, with Thailand (18%) and Philippines (20%) also up.