Export Powerhouse

Niche production of quality exports might be the future for high-cost sectors of WA's agribusiness industry.

The Business News annual export review has the latest data on 33 businesses representing $122 billion in outgoing trade. It also shows that while iron ore continues to dominate, the emergence of LNG, agriculture and services will benefit from a lower dollar.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum is seeking to recover about $11 million in unpaid royalties amid producer disquiet about possible royalty rate increases.

Chinese demand continues to drive export growth in Western Australia, with more than 57 per cent ($6.2 billion) of the state's $10.9 billion of goods exports in August bought by China.

WA's higher education providers are benefiting from strong growth in Asia, but are facing increased competitive pressure.