South Australia is sending a powerful signal to the global marketplace this week. Led by Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs, a handpicked group of top-tier CEOs and exporters is flying to Japan to anchor the state’s growing presence at the world’s biggest trade exhibition—World Expo 2025 Osaka. The move is both strategic and timely, as countries across the globe face mounting uncertainty in trade relations.
The timing couldn’t be sharper. Fresh data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows South Australian exports have hit an all-time high. Between April 2022 and March 2025, the state clocked up $51.7 billion in global exports. That’s a striking 40 per cent leap from the $37 billion recorded over the previous three years. It’s a figure that speaks volumes about resilience, adaptability, and global demand for South Australian goods.
But the global trading environment is getting choppy. Recent US tariffs have thrown a spanner in the works for exporters, prompting governments and industries to rethink and re-strategise. South Australia’s response? Double down. The Malinauskas Government has announced a new $5 million investment aimed at helping local producers diversify and fortify their positions in global markets.
That fund will assist South Australian exporters to make an impact at international trade shows such as VinExpo and the China International Import Expo (CIIE)—events that have already proven their worth. Over the past year, participation in such expos has delivered tangible business outcomes for several local producers. By continuing to back their presence on the world stage, the government is aiming for consistency, not just spectacle.
World Expo 2025 Osaka will be no small affair. Held every five years, the expo draws participation from over 150 countries and regions. More than 28 million visitors are expected to pass through its gates during the six-month event. With that kind of traffic, visibility isn’t just likely—it’s guaranteed.
Among the delegates representing South Australia are some of its most recognised names: Almondco Australia, CH4 Global, Langmeil Winery, Thomas Foods International, Prohibition Liquor Co, and the South Australian Wine Industry Association, to name a few. The industries they represent—wine, seafood, agrifood, meat, and nuts—have been among the standout performers in South Australia’s export success story.
The mission in Osaka isn’t simply to put on a good show; it’s to forge new partnerships, find new customers, and widen the reach of premium South Australian products. Japan, already one of South Australia’s top ten trading partners, is a key focus. In the past year alone, the state exported $537 million worth of goods to Japan. Food and beverage exports made up the lion’s share—nearly 60 per cent of that figure.
Beef exports alone tell a compelling story. They shot up by 69.1 per cent over the past year, reaching a value of $72.2 million. It’s a trend that suggests not just growing appetite, but trust in South Australia’s product quality and supply chain reliability.
And it’s not just about meat. The presence of South Australia’s iconic wine labels, seafood producers, and plant-based innovators in the delegation speaks to the diversity of the export offering. There’s something for every palate—and every deal table. With both large-scale processors and boutique operations represented, the delegation has the flexibility to pitch to small buyers and supermarket chains alike.
The stakes are high, but the outlook is promising. The expo is being referred to by some as the “trade and investment Olympics,” and Minister Joe Szakacs is treating it with the gravity it deserves. “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,” he said.
According to him, showing up isn’t enough. Strategic visibility and active participation are key. “It’s crucial that we maximise the opportunity for our state through World Expo,” he said. Leading the Team South Australia delegation himself signals that the government isn’t outsourcing responsibility—it’s showing up and standing beside exporters on the global stage.
Japan, for its part, isn’t just a buyer of goods. It’s also a long-term strategic partner in energy. As a major importer of energy, Japan presents significant opportunities for South Australia’s ambitions in renewable energy and hydrogen. The state’s geographic and research advantages put it in a strong position to become a significant exporter in the clean energy space, and Japan’s needs may align with that trajectory.
But energy conversations aside, it’s the immediacy of food and drink that will take centre stage this week. With South Australian wines already commanding respect in Asian markets and products like almonds, tuna, and beef gaining momentum, the delegation’s pitch is rooted in both heritage and future potential. Exporters from sectors like aquaculture and plant-based biotech aren’t just tagging along—they’re vital to the message that South Australia is thinking forward, not just leaning on what’s already strong.
The commitment to supporting exporters through on-the-ground trade show attendance isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan decision. It reflects a growing recognition that face-to-face trade still matters, perhaps more than ever, in a world of Zoom deals and digital brochures. Walking through the expo with a glass of Langmeil Shiraz or a taste of South Australian tuna might just be what clinches the deal for buyers seeking authenticity.
The stories each business brings to the delegation are as important as the products themselves. There’s a history of innovation, a thread of sustainability, and a shared goal to make South Australia not just visible on the world stage, but viable and compelling for the long haul.
Backed by state investment and government support, these businesses won’t just be flying the flag—they’ll be starting conversations, closing contracts, and testing the waters for what’s next.
And as Team SA lands in Japan, one thing is certain: they’re not just passing through. They’re placing South Australia squarely in the frame of global trade, armed with products that speak for themselves and a commitment to keep the growth going, whatever the trade winds may bring.
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