About the Australian Export Awards program

Learn more about the Australian Export Awards program.

The Australian Export Awards, managed by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), is Australia's longest running business awards program.

The inaugural Australian Export Award national ceremony was held in Canberra on 27 November 1963.

In 2026, the Program celebrates its 64th year and continues to recognise and promote outstanding, innovative and inspiring exporters.

The program is made possible through the strong collaboration of our state and territory program partners and our program sponsors.

Purpose and objectives

The purpose of the Awards program is to elevate and promote Australia’s excellence in exporting and the economic and social benefits that trade and investment deliver for Australia.

The objectives of the Awards program are:

  1. Showcase Australian innovation and capability by promoting our world-class exporters across a diverse range of sectors.
  2. Recognise Australian exporters creating economic or social benefits for Australia, including through efforts to:
    1. contribute to Australian export trade diversification, net zero transformation, First Nations outcomes, manufacturing capability, economic security, or digital technology; or
    2. position Australia at the forefront of emerging industries; or
    3. contribute to Australia’s national resilience or economic growth including through growth in foreign investment to support exports from Australia to global markets.
  3. Encourage and support more Australian businesses to become export-ready, diversify into new and emerging international markets, and succeed on the global stage.

Changes to the program in 2026

There are some key changes that have been implemented for the 64th Australian Export Awards.

  1. Detailed Program Guidelines have been developed to provide a single source of information on the program. From how to apply, the clearer eligibility criteria, to our judging process and assessment criteria, the program guidelines make it easier and more transparent for business to apply for the Australian Export Awards.
  2. We have refreshed the program’s purpose and objective to ensure they remain fit for purpose for both business and government.
  3. Strengthened the eligibility criteria for the Program through inclusions such as:
    1. Broadened the Hall of Fame eligibility include that a business can be inducted through:
      1. winning 3 times in the same, or similar, national category; or
      2. winning 5 times across different national categories.
    2. Emerging Exporter eligibility has been updated to include that a business must be exporting for 2 years or less (a reduction from 3 years)
  4. A refresh of the national categories, including:
    1. We have removed the e-Commerce category and now have a total of 13 national categories
    2. categories have been grouped into 2 different category types. A business can only apply in one of each of the new categories types. 
      1. National sector categories: sectors, agreed between Austrade and its state and territory government partners, that represent export industries and sectors across a broad range of Australian goods and services exports.
      2. Cross-cutting categories: are not sector specific. They highlight achievements of the vast operational composition of all Australian exporters.
  5. A new user-friendly online Application Portal and streamlined application process, making it easier for exporters to apply, including streamlining the information we request, such as:
    1. Businesses can now submit a letter from a Certificate Practicing Accountant (CPA) that attests to the business' financial stability.
    2. Reduction in the number of export markets from 10, to now a  maximum of the top 3-5.

For further information on changes to the Awards program, download and read the Program Guidelines, or register for one of the 2026 workshops.


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