Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs will lead a delegation of high-profile CEOs to the world’s largest trade show in Japan this week, as the Malinauskas Government and local exporters look to consolidate record export growth during a period of uncertainty for international trade.

The delegation, which includes representatives from South Australia’s leading wine, seafood, agrifood, meat and nuts industries will make the state’s case to global buyers this week at World Expo 2025 Osaka.

It comes as recent ABS figures reveal a record three-year period for South Australia’s exporters, with $51.7 billion of local goods sold to the world between April 2022 and March 2025 – nearly 40 per cent higher than the $37 billion sold in the preceding three years.

To encourage further growth and to combat global headwinds brought on by the introduction of US tariffs, the Malinauskas Government this week doubled down on its commitment to the export sector with a $5 million investment to help local producers diversify during turbulent times.

Through the new program the Malinauskas Government will support exporters to attend annual trade shows including VinExpo and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), both of which have created tangible outcomes for local businesses in the past 12 months.

The delegation will also target local Japanese buyers, with food and beverage exports accounting for three-fifths of all South Australian exports to the country.

South Australia’s total exports to Japan in the past year were valued at $537 million with beef exports climbing 69.1 per cent to $72.2 million.

More than 150 countries and regions are participating in this year’s World Expo –held every five years – with 28 million visitors expected through the gates during its six-month run.

The delegation of SA includes representatives from Almondco Australia, Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA), Balco Australia, CH4 Global, Langmeil Winery, Macro Group Australia, Metala Wines, South Australian Wine Industry Association, Thomas Foods International, Wirra Wirra, Vinarchy and Prohibition Liquor Co.

Quotes

Attributable to Joe Szakacs

The eyes of the trading world will be on World Expo 2025 Osaka and we're making sure South Australia’s food and wine industries are front and centre.

It’s crucial that we maximise the opportunity for our state through World Expo – the trade and investment Olympics – which is why I’m leading the Team South Australia delegation to Osaka this week.

Japan is one of our top 10 trading partners, with South Australia exporting more than half a billion dollars’ worth of goods in the year to April 2025.

As a major importer of their energy needs, Japan also presents huge opportunities for South Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse.