Positive economic data out of Japan is welcome news to the ears of Australia's fruit exporters, with reports consumer spending is on the rise in the Asian nation.
Tim Harcourt, a chief economist with the Australian government trade commission Austrade, believes all the indicators are good for Australia's farmers.
"The latest export numbers from Japan show the fifth consecutive rise and consumer spending has increased recently, so all the domestic and international indicators are very good on Japan," Mr Harcourt told the ABC.
A buoyant Japanese economy is crucial for Australian fruit exports, and the market is a leading destination for mangoes, citrus and stonefruit.
Citrus exporter Neil Barker, from BGP International, said citrus exports to Japan performed very well in 2009 and he was hopeful of a repeat this campaign.
"The Japanese market last year continued its strong resurgence in interest in
Australian navels and I believe it will be another star performer in 2010," Mr Barker said.
