POPULAR WORDS

Queensland's overseas exports are surging well beyond the national average, according to Premier Peter Beattie. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says the nominal value of the state's overseas merchandise exports has risen by 23.7% in the 12 months to December. This is well above the national average of 16.4%. Coal exports were the main catalyst, with an increase of 49.4%, while rural exports rose by 15.1% and manufactured goods increased by 16.3%. "Exports help keep the economy ticking along and these figures today are very impressive," Beattie says. "They speak volumes about our strong economic position and the increasing international demand for our quality ‘smart state' products and services." When asked if Queensland's strong trade performance and upwardly revised budget surplus forecasts provide impetus to cut business stamp duties as required to be considered by March, Beattie says "All that will be considered in the Budget".