NSW has relaunched its export support programs for 2026-27. Minister Chanthivong explains what’s changed and who it’s for.
NSW businesses looking to sell overseas have a renewed set of government-backed programs to draw on, following the launch of the state’s 2026-27 Export Support Program, timing that lands just after a fresh trade blow from the United States.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said the programs are designed to help businesses build the connections and skills needed to compete internationally. “Strong exports create local jobs, drive investment in NSW and strengthen our economy, which is why we’re investing in practical support to help businesses expand into new international markets,” he said.
What’s on offer
The support spans three main initiatives. The Export Capability Building Program will run 13 workshops through 2026-27, helping businesses assess whether they’re ready to export and develop market-entry strategies. It’s aimed primarily at early-stage and emerging exporters still building their foundations.
A new Communities of Practice for Exporters initiative will run four sessions connecting more than 100 businesses across agrifood, digital technology, and life sciences and healthcare, pairing experienced exporters with those preparing to expand internationally.
The largest component is more than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Trade Missions, delivered by Investment NSW in partnership with the Australian Government’s Austrade Accessing New Markets Initiative. These give businesses access to trade exhibitions, buyer meetings and market research support.
The tariff backdrop
The relaunch wasn’t announced in isolation. It came days after US President Donald Trump announced a new 12.5% tariff on imported Australian goods, citing concerns over the use of forced labour in Australian products, a claim the Australian government has strongly denied. Trade Minister Don Farrell was blunt in his response, describing the tariffs as “completely unjustified.”
The NSW Government’s own language points to this backdrop without naming it directly. “In a rapidly changing global trading environment, diversifying export markets has never been more important,” Chanthivong said.
It’s part of a broader pattern. The federal government’s Trade Diversification Network, launched separately this year, was designed with the same pressure in mind, directing more support toward sectors that have been more significantly affected by higher tariffs or other trade restrictions. Exporters dealing with the US market directly can also access DFAT’s updated guidance on tariff changes, including new rules affecting low-value imports and sector-specific tariffs on goods like pharmaceuticals and vehicle parts.
Who it’s aimed at
The Going Global Export Program is pitched at small and medium businesses entering their first international market or diversifying beyond existing ones, offering tailored market information and introductions to potential partners. The Trade Missions are aimed at more experienced, high-growth exporters pursuing advanced opportunities in priority markets.
Target sectors include agrifood, clean energy, digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and mining equipment, technology and services, with programs targeting Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, India, North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East. The timing also connects to two recent trade deals: the UAE partnership agreement already in force, and the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, which concluded negotiations in March 2026 but still needs to complete ratification.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said access to reliable market knowledge and commercial networks was often the deciding factor in export success. “NSW businesses have enormous potential to grow through exports, but success in international markets requires the right connections, insights and support,” he said.
Real businesses, real results
The government points to several NSW companies that have used earlier rounds of the programs. Tamworth-based Apollo Engineering, which manufactures cleaning equipment for heavy machinery, attended an Export Capability Building Program workshop in 2023 before joining a Going Global Export Program focused on Indonesia, which connected the business with local distributors. “Exporting has opened up entirely new growth opportunities for our business and allowed us to take Australian-made manufacturing to global markets,” said Managing Director Dave Errington.
Wollongong clean-energy company PowerStack used the support to pursue Middle East customers. Chief Executive Michael Bragg said the guidance had been central to entering new markets. “That has been critical in helping us grow our export pipeline and position the business for further expansion globally,” he said.
Sydney-based Renovatio expanded into the United States through retail and distribution partnerships, increasing demand for Australian-grown apples used in its products. Founder Dr Vincent Candrawinata said the program’s connections had helped the business scale into the US market while growing operations at home.
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