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.

What’s new in 2026

We’ve introduced a number of updates to the Australian Export Awards to improve clarity, reduce complexity, and better reflect the current business environment.

  • Simplified application process
    A new online application portal and streamlined process make it easier for businesses to apply, with clearer instructions and reduced information requirements.
  • Clear and accessible guidance
    New Program Guidelines provide a single, comprehensive source of information, outlining how to apply, eligibility requirements, and how applications are assessed.
  • Refined eligibility criteria
    Eligibility criteria have been clarified and updated in key areas. This includes expanded pathways to the Hall of Fame, with businesses now able to qualify by winning three times in the same (or similar) category, or five times across different categories. Minor updates have also been made to improve clarity and consistency across other eligibility criteria.
  • Streamlined award categories
    The program now includes 13 national categories, grouped into:
    • Sector categories (industry-based), and
    • Cross-cutting categories (open across all industries)
      Businesses may apply for one category in each group.
  • Reduced administrative requirements
    Application requirements have been simplified. For example, applicants may provide a letter from a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) to confirm financial stability and are only required to list their top 3–5 export markets.

Please read the Program Guidelines to find out more about the program. 


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