Australian Chamber International Trade Survey | 2015

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2015 Trade Survey is designed to identify and understand issues relating to internation trade faced by Australian businesses. In the 2015 edition, a sample of 227 businesses of various sizes and industries were surveyed, across Australian states and territories. Firms were categorised as small (up to 19 employees), medium (20- 199 employees) or large (200 or more employees). The 2015 Trade Survey was distributed via state and territory based chambers of commerce and selected member industry associations from 1 October to 10 November 2014.

The 2015 ACCI Trade Survey reveals that Australian businesses engaged in international trade are flexible and actively looking for opportunities.

The quantitative survey revealed key insights into six categories:

• Access to information
• Trade-related issues
• Trade administration
• Trade agreements
• Trade support services of chambers of commerce and industry associations
• Service of chambers of commerce and industry associations

Most of the survey respondents were engaged in both importing and exporting, with 15 per cent engaged exclusively in the exporting of services. The respondents
were most heavily involved in trade with Asia, in particular, China, Thailand and Singapore.

For the first time, ACCI undertook the second phase of data analysis in the form of qualitative case studies. These were conducted to obtain further information from
respondents regarding specific areas of the trade environment affecting their business.

Overall, the results demonstrate the tenacity and resilience of Australian traders. Businesses engaged in international transactions often face many obstacles.
However, the results show ultimately that businesses are committed to their international ventures — in spite of the challenges.