South Australia wine export to China rose 21.3 per cent in 2009

South Australia recorded the largest international trade drop of all states last year as the global financial crisis and the strong Australian dollar severely hit key sectors and markets.

State exports fell 21 per cent to $8.3 billion amid major shifts in SA's export markets, with China emerging as the key destination and India growing strongly.

The annual ABS export data reveals that sales to China were responsible for 14.2 per cent of total exports, while shipments to the US fell 51.1 per cent to $1.06 billion.

South Australia's exports to China rose 21.3 per cent to $1.18 billion while sales to India rose 53.5 per cent to $367.6 million.

SA's export drop compared to Queensland (down 18 per cent), Tasmania and Victoria (down 16 per cent), New South Wales (down 10 per cent) and Western Australia (down 7.8 per cent).

Agriculture remains the basis for about half the state's exports. Meat shipments rose 13 per cent to $557 million and fruit and vegetables rose 10.2 per cent to $223 million.