Austrade’s latest trade report highlights the international growth potential for Australian agribusiness and food businesses, with new markets, trade agreements and commercial partnerships creating opportunities for exporters.
Australian agribusiness and food exporters secured 755 export deals worth $1.7 billion with support from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in 2025–26, highlighting the sector’s role in Australia’s international trade.
The results, published in Austrade’s Trade and Investment Report 2025–26, come as Australian businesses pursue new markets amid increasing global competition and supply chain uncertainty.
Across all industries, Austrade facilitated 2404 export deals worth $8.8 billion, a 26 per cent increase on the previous financial year. The agency supported more than 6120 Australian businesses through market advice, buyer introductions and international trade events.
Asia drives export opportunities
Southeast Asia and South Asia were major markets for Austrade-facilitated trade, recording a combined 992 export deals valued at $3.1 billion across all sectors.
Southeast Asia accounted for 659 deals worth $1.6 billion, while South Asia recorded 333 deals valued at $1.5 billion.
China remained the largest individual market by facilitated trade value, with $1.9 billion across 238 deals. India generated $1.2 billion from 235 deals, followed by the United States, which recorded $1 billion across 177 deals.
Although these figures cover all industries, they highlight markets Australian food and beverage manufacturers can assess as part of their export strategies.
Austrade supported market expansion through its $55 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, which backed 88 trade events during the year to help businesses diversify markets and strengthen trade resilience.
Trade agreements create new pathways
The Australia–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered into force on 1 October 2025, is already delivering opportunities for Australian exporters.
At Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, First Nations-owned Kakadu Organics used the agreement’s tariff-free access to secure its first buyers in the Gulf. Austrade supported the business through market advice and buyer connections.
The case highlights how trade agreements, combined with direct engagement with international buyers, can help Australian food businesses convert market access into commercial opportunities.
Meanwhile, negotiations for the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded in March 2026. Once in force, the agreement is expected to allow 98 per cent of the current value of Australian exports to enter the EU duty-free, providing access to a market of approximately 450 million consumers across 27 countries.
Austrade is helping businesses prepare for potential opportunities under the agreement.
Export capability remains critical
Market access alone does not guarantee export success. Businesses must identify suitable customers, understand local requirements and build the commercial relationships needed to sustain overseas sales.
Austrade reported that almost 250,000 users accessed its Go Global Toolkit and Trade Resilience Service in 2025–26, up 15 per cent on the previous year. More than 2200 businesses also received Export Market Development Grants, with the average grant value increasing to $54,000.
For food and beverage manufacturers, such support can help address the practical challenges of entering new markets, from finding distributors and importers to understanding market conditions.
Austrade’s facilitated deals provide a snapshot of the commercial opportunities being pursued by Australian exporters, rather than a measure of total food and beverage export revenue.
Nevertheless, the $1.7 billion in agribusiness and food deals points to the scale of international business being supported as Australian exporters seek to diversify markets and strengthen their global presence.
For the sector, the next challenge is turning these opportunities into sustained export growth through stronger buyer relationships, market knowledge and export readiness.
