Key findings from the survey, which examines the health of the nation’s export economy annually, revealed 81% of the mining sector was affected by the strong Australian dollar, while exporters in WA forecast a 57% increase in export orders for the next 12 months.

The mining industry is most likely to increase employee numbers, leading the way with an expected 80% boost.

Another key finding from the survey indicated the mining sector would remain the most confident of wage increases.

The Australian export industry has been dented by the strong Australian dollar and natural disasters including the floods in Queensland and Victoria, the Christchurch earthquake, as well as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

As a result profit expectations were affected, with just 41% of exporters expecting increased profits in the coming year compared to the 59% in the 2010 survey.

Meanwhile, the DHL survey did reveal a dip in export sentiment in the last 12 months, with only 42% of the predicted 69% increasing orders.

DHL said North America and Southeast Asia remained the top export destinations, however, China had replaced the UK in the top five list for the first time.

“China also has the highest growth expectations of all countries, [with 59% of exporters anticipating orders to decrease in the coming year], and is expected to be the lead export nation by 2016,” DHL said.