2026 Australian Export Awards key facts
- The Australian Export Awards is one of Australia's longest running business awards programs.
- The program is celebrating its 64th year in 2026.
- In 1963, the Export Development Council wanted to recognise Australian businesses with outstanding export success.
- The inaugural Australian Export Award national ceremony was held in Canberra on 27 November 1963.
- The Australian Export Awards program is jointly delivered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and State and Territory Governments.
- The Australian Export Awards recognises outstanding, innovative and inspiring exporters, providing those businesses a chance to tell their export story in Australia and on a global stage.
- Businesses must apply in their home state or territory; eligible state and territory winners of the 13 national categories become national finalists in the program.
- The 2026 national winners of each award category and the Australian Exporter of the Year will be announced at the national awards ceremony held at Parliament House Canberra on 18 November 2026.
- The Minister for Trade and Tourism will host the 64th Australian Export Awards national ceremony.
2026 program statistics
In the 2026 Australian Export Awards:
- 346 businesses submitted applications across 8 states and territories.
- 88 national finalists (State and Territory winners of the national award categories).
2026 national finalist statistics
In 2026, the Australian Export Awards national finalists:
- Employed more than 17,000 people in FY2025/26; of these employees an average of 93% were employed within Australia.
- The 88 finalists generated over $2.8 billion in export earnings in FY2025/26, including over $227 million from 3 ASX listed companies.
- 35% (31 businesses) are new to the Australian Export Awards program.
- 43% (38 businesses) are classified as small businesses with an annual turnover of less than 10 million.
- 24% (21 businesses) are led by women (either independently or jointly).
- 5% (4 businesses) are a First Nations business (at least 51% First Nations owned).
- One was established in 1900, and the youngest was established in 2025.
- The longest-established exporter began exporting in 1923, while the newest commenced exporting in 2025.
More information
All queries should be emailed to export.awards@austrade.gov.au.