ABARE Executive Director Phillip Glyde released the report today.

Commodities that recorded large increases in export earnings in 2006-07 include: nickel, up $5004 million (145 per cent) to $8461 million; zinc, up $1746 million (69 per cent) to $4286 million; refined gold, up $3232 million (46 per cent) to $10 321 million; crude oil, up $1675 million (25 per cent) to $8313 million; and iron ore and pellets, up $2648 million (21 per cent) to $15 502 million.

Other commodities that recorded increases in earnings in 200607 include: uranium oxide, up $114 million (21 per cent) to $660 million; lead, up $243 million (19 per cent) to $1539 million; alumina, up $962 million (18 per cent) to $6224 million; aluminium, up $863 million (18 per cent) to $5651 million; LNG, up $806 million (18 per cent) to $5222 million; and copper, up $890 million (16 per cent) to $6543 million.

"This stronger performance reflects higher export prices for almost two-thirds of the minerals and energy commodities exported, along with increased export volumes for nearly three-quarters of the commodities," Mr Glyde said.

The index of export prices of Australian mineral resources (export unit returns) rose a further 9.4 per cent in 2006-07 compared with 2005-06 as higher metal prices more than offset lower prices for energy minerals. Prices for metals and related minerals rose by 24 per cent, while energy minerals prices declined by 8.7 per cent.

Mr Glyde noted that export earnings for some major export commodities declined during 200607. Earnings from coking coal were down $1916 million (11 per cent) to $15 087 million and steaming coal, down $445 million (6 per cent) to $6761 million.

"The decline in export earnings from coal in 200607 reflected the negative income effects of a stronger Australian dollar on steaming coal exports and lower prices for coking coal," Mr Glyde said.