Australian Grape & Wine, the national body representing the wine industry, has joined the newly formed Trade Diversification Network (TDN), a government-led initiative designed to help Australian exporters enter new international markets and reduce reliance on traditional trading partners.
The TDN was announced by the Federal Government under the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) and brings together 40 national industry bodies from across the country. The network aims to support businesses in identifying and developing export opportunities in emerging regions, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Working in collaboration with government agencies, the TDN will develop and deliver trade missions, training programs, and product showcases. These activities are intended to equip exporters with practical tools to access new markets, while tailoring support to the specific needs of different industries.
Trade Minister Don Farrell highlighted the central role of trade in Australia’s economy, noting that one in four jobs is linked to international trade. He said expanding into new and emerging markets is essential for sustained economic growth and employment stability.
Farrell described the TDN as a strong example of cooperation between government and industry, aimed at building long-term resilience and competitiveness for Australian businesses.
Lee McLean, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine, said participation in the network will strengthen the effectiveness of government support for wine exporters by keeping it focused on real market opportunities.
He noted that the wine sector supports thousands of jobs in regional communities and that accessing new markets is critical for rebuilding export value after recent disruptions. McLean said the industry looks forward to working closely with the government and other industry groups to help more wine businesses expand their international reach.
Government figures show that around 32% of Australia’s economic output is connected to trade. Export-oriented businesses typically demonstrate higher productivity, employ more people, and pay higher wages than those focused solely on domestic markets.
Alongside Australian Grape & Wine, the TDN includes organizations such as the Australian Meat Industry Council, Seafood Industry Australia, Australian Fashion Council, Australian Sports Technologies Network, and the Space Industry Association of Australia.
The establishment of the Trade Diversification Network comes as Australian industries seek new growth opportunities amid changing global trade conditions. Through coordinated action and shared resources, the network aims to strengthen Australia’s global market presence and support long-term economic stability across multiple export sectors.
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