The Albanese Labor Government is rolling out larger grants for Australian exporters to help them take on the world through the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program.
Since the most recent grant round opened in November 2024, the government has delivered over $74 million in grant agreements to over 700 Australian exporters.
The average value of grant agreements executed in the most recent round has risen to $53,000. This is more than double the average grant amount for businesses than was provided under the former coalition government.
When we came to government, it was clear that the declining size of grants significantly reduced the value of the program for our exporters. We have worked to improve the program, so that exporters have greater support and the program is more effective.
Since its inception in 1974, the EMDG program has supported more than 51,000 Australian businesses to market their products and services in over 180 countries. It is administered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
The government is committed to continuously improve businesses' experience in applying for EMDG, and has appointed Mr Timothy Yeend to conduct the next independent review in accordance with section 106A of the Export Market Development Grants Act 1997.
Mr Yeend is trade expert with over 30 years' experience working on trade and international business issues. He is a current board member of Tourism Australia and former Associate Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. His knowledge of trade and what support export businesses need to compete on the global stage, coupled with his experience in government, will provide a solid foundation for this legislative review.
Consultations will commence in May 2025, with the final report to be provided to government by November 2025, in accordance with legislative timeframes.
