WA's trade surplus hits $27.2bn

Western Australia has again bucked the national trend and recorded a $27.2 billion trade surplus in the 12 months to November 2005.

This compares with a national trade deficit of $19.2 billion.

Treasurer Eric Ripper said the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures highlighted the ongoing strength of the WA economy.

"The State's export share over the year to November 2005 stands at 31.1 per cent of the national total, up from 29.7 per cent over the year to November 2004," Mr Ripper said.

"In annual average terms, the value of our exports strengthened, rising by 21.9 per cent over the year to November to a record nominal value of $42.1 billion."