New trade strategy sets clear direction for Tasmania’s export growth

Tasmania’s exporters will benefit from a clear, coordinated approach to growing trade with the release of the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2030 and the Tasmanian Trade Action Plan 2026–27.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said trade is a major contributor to Tasmania’s economy, supporting jobs, innovation and delivers growth in regional communities.

“Trade already contributes more than $6 billion annually to Tasmania’s economy and supports thousands of jobs across the state, with the previous Trade Strategy delivering returns of up to $14.30 for every dollar invested,” Minister Barnett said.

“Our new Trade Strategy sets an ambitious long-term vision for Tasmania to be globally recognised for quality and innovation, with a goal of growing annual exports to $15 billion by 2050.

“Our Government is delivering for business and the State’s economy, with this new Trade Strategy building on the great strides taken in recent years and helps Tasmanian business and industry identify the strongest opportunities for the future.

“The success of our exporters ensures our economy continues to be strong, resilient, and well positioned for the future, because we know our nation, and the world, are facing turbulent times.

“With input from more than 150 individuals and organisations from across Tasmania, the new strategy reflects what exporters have told us they need – stronger market intelligence, better access to in market connections, and better coordination.

“The strategy reflects real world experience and the practical needs of exporting businesses, and now we are wanting to work with them to grow.”

The first action plan under the new strategy prioritises building exporter capability and market readiness. It showcases Tasmania through one domestic and one international trade show, along with leading a trade mission to Hong Kong and mainland China in November 2026 and delivers a targeted inbound visitation program.

The strategy was launched with industry support and the likes of experienced exporter Pivot Maritime International, which designs and builds advanced maritime and defence training systems, which are exported throughout the world.

Managing Director, Dr Jeff Hawkins, credited Trade Tasmania and the Trade Strategy for supporting his business, Pivot Maritime International, in driving strong economic returns and greatly assisting in growing exports.

“The support that PMI has received from Trade Tasmania and the Trade Strategy has had a strong economic impact on the company and greatly assisted in our growth and export trade,” Mr Hawkins said.

“In particular, in the US for Defence, PMI received assistance to attend important defence conferences/expos and had several Ministers and State Growth personnel hold talks with US Defence officials which has led to multi-million-dollar contracts for Pivot.

“More recently, Pivot attended a trade mission with the Deputy Premier where Pivot and a number of specialist Defence companies seeking to engage with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan for the Mogami Class Frigate program.

“The Trade Strategy has been instrumental in helping companies like PMI to build our export trade across the globe.”

Minister Barnett said through trade missions, targeted expos and trade shows and government to government engagement, companies like Pivot Maritime are building global partnerships and expanding their export reach.

“That is exactly what the new trade strategy is designed to continue – backing Tasmanian businesses to succeed internationally,” Minister Barnett said.

The Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2030 and the Tasmanian Trade Action Plan 2026–27 are available here.