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Australian commodity exports have taken a small hit because of the world financial meltdown, but exports should generally hold up, federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says.
There had been some indications of a "slight fall-off" in commodities such as coal, and there was some uncertainty in world markets.
"Throughout the whole global community, given the events in the United States in recent months, there is a question mark in all of our minds about what is occurring," Mr Ferguson said in Queanbeyan, New South Wales.
But he was fairly optimistic about the future for Australian exports.
"Generally the indications are, from the major resource companies I deal with on a regular basis, that they expect overall the market to hold up."
The continuing strength of the Chinese market was a good sign, he said. The government is closely monitoring export markets and the impact of the falling Australian dollar.
It had taken pre-emptive steps in this year's budget to ward against shocks like the world financial crisis, Mr Ferguson said.
The government was locking in measures which would shore up the budget surplus, he said.
- AAP