50 JUNE–JULY 2018 | International Boat Industry http://www.ibi-plus.com
Markets & Regions
EQUIPMENT | AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA’S EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS ARE MAKING THE MOST OF A VIBRANT
HOME MARKET AND A LOW DOLLAR THAT IS PROVING A BOON TO EXPORTSWORDS: BARRY THOMPSONAustralian marine firms
continue to make their mark
on the world stage
Current exchange
rates have
also assisted our exporters
to be more competitive in
global marketsT
his year the Australian International Marine Export Group
(AIMEX) is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. AIMEX
represents over 90 of Australia’s leading equipment
manufacturers and marine industry service
providers and has worked hard to develop a
recognised brand image for the Australian
marine industry.
In a 2017 report by KPMG, it was reported
that for the 2014-15 year, the Australian marine
manufacturing industry contributed A$1.2bn
in value added to the Australian economy,
employed 14,600 workers nationally and
delivered A$575m in merchandised exports.
This took into account the commercial,
military, aquaculture, water transport and
private recreational sectors.
Three key challenges reported by businesses in the marine sector
were the high cost of labour, competition from cheaper imports
and the availability of skilled labour.
The report also identified that R&D had been an important
factor in successfully reaching international markets. While
absolute investment in R&D has declined since the early 2000s,
Australia ranks above the OECD average in terms of marine
manufacturing R&D expense as a share of industry activity.
“AIMEX continues to be at the forefront of global marketing,
attending key international boat shows that are relevant to the
export, superyacht and commercial sectors and maintaining
memberships of several key global industry bodies such as
ICOMIA,” commented AIMEX president Richard Chapman.
He adds that the pinnacle show for Australian manufacturers
and service providers continues to be METSTRADE and the
Australian pavilion at this show continues to grow and showcase
the best of what Australia has to offer.
“Australian companies exhibit at shows all around the world
and attend conferences and other industry events worldwide, with
Australia being home to a significant number of globally renowned
brands and companies.
“Current exchange rates have also assisted our exporters to
be more competitive in global markets and for the commercial
sector it is an interesting year with government spending on
defence entering a period of all-time high expenditure (during
peacetime), with many companies in the supply chain tendering for
opportunities within these government contracts,” adds Chapman.
AIMEX members collectively represent all areas of the marine
market, including boatbuilders and designers, marina developers,
boat fitting and repair operations, manufacturers
and suppliers of auxiliary equipment and fittings,
and high-technology services such as research,
development and other consultancy areas. As
a vital industry body, AIMEX works closely
with Austrade, a government agency which
assists international buyers by providing
insights about Australian industry and service
capabilities. Austrade has a significant number
of global oices and is a huge resource for
global marine companies wishing to deal with
Australian businesses.
Chapman further stated: “AIMEX continues
to have a strong focus on supporting Australian companies in
the marine sector looking to develop and grow their export
markets. The Free Trade Agreements negotiated by the Minister for
Trade and Investment is offering significant benefits for exporters
and many businesses are now seeing the advantages of these Free
Trade Agreements.”SVEEM MD Mark Miocevich shows of a range of gyrostabilisers