A recent Australian Trade and Investment Commission release highlighted the unexpected goods being exported by Australian SMEs to France. These include items you’d expect us to import from the EU giant, like art, jewellery, perfume, cosmetics, and clothing.
According to 2023 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia exports:
- $4.1 million in artwork and antiques
- $6.0 million in essential oils, perfumes, and cosmetics
- $6.9 million in jewellery, and
- $8.1 million in clothing, textiles, accessories, and footwear.
France also receives about $14.9 million in Australian alcoholic beverages, according to the ABS.
Remote art centre a winner in France
The Australian Export awards has recently recognised a small business from the Northern Territory as a top exporter. Ikuntji Artists, a remote, member-based, not-for-profit Aboriginal art centre, were finalists in the 61st iteration of the awards, which showcases and celebrates the best exporters from around the country.
Ikuntji Artists does a roaring trade with French art dealers. The centre’s manager, Dr Chrischona Schmidt, said that the centre regularly exports art, textiles, clothes, and jewellery to France.
“There has always been a great interest in Aboriginal art and culture in France,” said Dr Schmidt, who speaks fluent French. “The French audience wants to engage with it, learn about it, and ultimately also purchase it.”
According to Dr Schmidt, the centre’s French customers often return for more purchases after their first.
“Our customers from France are often repeat customers who recommend our art and wearable art to their networks. What they love about Ikuntji is that the colours are so vibrant and the textile designs are so bold.”
One such example is the art of Keturah Zimran, pictured above. Zimran is a member of Ikuntji artists who has been a finalist in numerous art awards, including the 2019 Vincent Lingiari Award, according to Ikuntji’s website.
Later this year, the Australian Export Awards will celebrate the success of small Australian export businesses for the 62nd time at Parliament House Canberra.
