Logistics specialist DHL has published its 2012 DHL Export Barometer, showing a recovering business outlook for exporters, despite the strong Australian dollar.

 

Exporter confidence has returned to rare form following a significant dip in 2011, which DHL attributes to a range of strong new business strategies, including exporting to new markets, product and service innovation and growing orders from existing destination.

 

The report, now in its ninth year, found that half of exports expect company profits to increase, compared to 41 per cent this time last year.

 

The report also found that New Zealand has emerged as a market of growing importance for Australian exporters. Not only did it top the list of current export destinations (50% this year compared to 39% last year), but New Zealand has replaced the UK as the third biggest export destination predicted in five years’ time (34%). 

 

Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President, DHL Express Oceania, believes New Zealand is an important market for Australian exporters, commenting that “New Zealand has always been an uncomplicated trading opportunity for Australians with many using it as a testing ground for their business before launching into larger export markets.”

 

The key findings of the report are:

  • 57% of exporters expect to increase their export orders in 2012, up from 48% last year
  • 50% of exporters expect company profitability to increase in the next 12 months, up from 41% in 2011
  • Innovation and product refinement identified as the top strategies to manage the strong Australian dollar 
  • Shift seen in future export destinations with New Zealand replacing the UK as one of the five biggest export destinations of the future
  • Indonesia and Middle East also identified as biggest markets for growth