Australian exporters have one week left to apply for the country’s longest-running export awards
The deadline for Australia’s longest-running export awards program is one week away, and three past winners want more businesses to know the application is worth submitting regardless of whether you take home the award.
The 64th annual Australian Export Awards, presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission in collaboration with state and territory partners, close on 12 June 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. The program has been refreshed for 2026 with changes to several categories, updated application criteria, and a new streamlined online application portal designed to make the process more accessible for businesses applying for the first time.
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One week left
The most significant category change for 2026 is the removal of the standalone e-Commerce category. Businesses that reach international customers through digital or e-commerce platforms are now encouraged to apply under the category that best reflects their core product, service, or industry. The Creative Industries category has been renamed Creative, Lifestyle and Design, and the Technologies category is now Digital and Smart Technologies to better reflect how Australian exporters are operating today.
Thirteen national categories are open for 2026, covering Agribusiness, Food and Beverages, Creative Lifestyle and Design, Digital and Smart Technologies, International Education and Training, International Health, Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Professional Services, Resources and Energy, Sustainability and Green Economy, Emerging Exporter, First Nations Exporter, Regional Exporter, and Small Business Exporter.
What past winners say
Corbin Halliday, Founder and CEO of Three Warriors, won the Small Business category at last year’s awards. It was the certified organic self-tan brand’s first time applying. He encouraged other businesses to put in a nomination. “Having an Australian Export Award behind us strengthens our credibility and opens new doors internationally,” he said. “The process itself is invaluable, helping you reflect on how far you’ve come and what makes your brand ready for the world stage.”
Rising Sun Pictures, inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame as a three-time winner, had a similar experience. Executive Producer Ian Cope said the profile that comes with winning has had lasting commercial value. “The awards themselves are such a high-profile award for Australian companies, especially those that are exporting around the world,” he said. “For us, it was just an honour to be represented, but for the business and government and our clients to see that that is recognised, certainly has been something that we were able to lean into and talk about and really shout that from the rooftops.”
The inaugural winner of the First Nations Exporter Award in 2025 was South Australia’s Munda Wines. Managing Director Jess Greatwich was direct in her advice to other First Nations businesses considering applying in 2026. “The application process for the Awards has the potential to be used as a business development tool,” she said. “So, if there are small businesses, Aboriginal-owned businesses, that are thinking about it, I would absolutely recommend it as a business development opportunity as well as a networking opportunity. It’s absolutely unparalleled in that respect.”
Nominations are open until 12 June 2026 at 11.59pm AEST, and eligible exporters can apply through their state and territory program at https://www.exportawards.gov.au/.
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