ICT trade gap widening, warns ACS

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 22 September 2009 07:58

IT Industry - Market

When you look at the section of the ACS report that takes a state-by-state view of the matter, it becomes obvious that fingers should be pointed in the direction of NSW.

That state was responsible for a massive 64% of ICT equipment imports, compared with 43% of exports.

Victoria, by comparison, took 23% of imports but accounted for 36% of exports.

Queensland was almost even on 7% and 8%.

South Australia had a disproportionately high level of exports (7%) versus imports (2%), as did Western Australia (6% vs 4%), but their impact on the national figures was relatively small.

If it wasn't for Victoria, Australia's ICT 2008 trade surplus would have been a lot worse.
 
"Australia has never been a large manufacturer of traditional computer equipment and in recent years we have continued to spend on equipment and services imports, particularly from Asia.

"This is healthy to the extent that ICT is a growing area of focus and expansion for Australian business and governments. Much of this equipment is powering our national productivity and providing Australia with a competitive advantage," said Kumar Parakala, chairman and president of the ACS.

What else did Parakala say, and where can you get the report? Please read on.