National categories

There are 13 national award categories in the 2026 Australian Export Awards.

A business can only apply in one of each of the following national category types:

  • National sector category
  • Cross-cutting category 

Read the Program Guidelines for further information on the eligibility requirements for all national categories.

Reach out to your state or territory program contact for more information or to confirm which category is best suited to your business.

National sector categories

National sectors categories, agreed between Austrade and its state and territory government partners, represent export industries and sectors across a broad range of Australian goods and services exports.

Outstanding international success in manufactured foods, beverages or agricultural products.

This includes primary production, forestry, fisheries and related services or technology. 

Outstanding international success in creative industries and consumer-facing, design-led products and services. This brings together creative outputs and lifestyle/consumer brands where design and brand experience are central.

This includes:

  • Beauty, cosmetics and skincare
  • Fashion and accessories
  • Homewares and lifestyle products
  • Design studios, creative agencies and branding
  • Arts and culture, film, TV, digital content and games where brand/creative is primary

Outstanding international success in information technology, digital technologies, software, hardware or digital services.

This includes solutions using cloud, AI/ML, IoT, AR/VR, robotics, quantum, fintech, cybersecurity and related tools.

  • Software and platform providers 
  • AI, data and analytics firms
  • Cybersecurity and fintech companies
  • Hardware and device manufacturers
  • Other critical and emerging technologies

For outstanding international success in education and training.

This includes higher education, VET, transnational education, online learning, curriculum development and EdTech.

  • Universities and higher education providers
  • VET and skills providers
  • EdTech and online learning platforms
  • Offshore or transnational education providers

Outstanding international success in the fields of health, medical or wellbeing.

This includes biotechnology, biosecurity, medical technology, digital health, e-health, aged care, disability, complementary health, pharmaceuticals and related services.

Outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering or advanced materials development.

This includes manufacturing of medical devices, advanced manufacturing technologies, design and production.

  • Manufacturers of advanced components or systems
  • Engineering and fabrication firms
  • Advanced materials developers

Outstanding international success in the field of professional services.

This includes legal, accounting, administration and support services, business management and consultancy, marketing services, franchising and licensing, engineering, financial and insurance, market research, translation services and tourism and business events.

Outstanding international success in the resources and energy sectors.

This includes production, processing or value-adding of extractive resources, or provision of related equipment, services or technology.

  • Mining and resources producers
  • METS (mining equipment, technology and services)
  • Energy producers and service providers

Outstanding international success in the Green Economy.

This includes environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building, smart cities or businesses with strong sustainability practices.

  • Clean energy and renewables
  • Recycling and circular economy businesses
  • Environmental services and technology
  • Sustainable materials and solutions

Cross-cutting categories

Cross-cutting categories, agreed between Austrade and its state and territory government partners, are not sector specific. They highlight achievements of Australian goods and services exporters across the economy.

Outstanding export achievement by a business which has been exporting for two years or less.

This includes established and new businesses in any industry.

Outstanding international success by a First Nations business.

This includes First Nations businesses operating in any industry, who have been exporting for 3 years or more.

Outstanding international success by a regional business.

This includes businesses in any sector that is based in a regional or remote location.

Outstanding international success by a small business.

This includes businesses with total annual turnover not exceeding A$10 million.

Australian Exporter of the Year 

The Minister for Trade and Tourism, in support from the National Judging Panel, selects the Australian Exporter of the Year from the winners of the national categories.

For further information about the eligibility criteria, read the 2026 Program Guidelines.