Round 4 update, online portal opening, Independent Review, Go Global Toolkit and more

In this edition of the EMDG newsletter we provide an update on the most recent grant round (Round 4), share information on the EMDG Independent Review, and highlight useful export-related information and resources.

Round 4 update

Austrade has completed the assessment of all 2,693 applications in Round 4 of the program and notified applicants of the outcome. Every eligible applicant has received an offer for at least a one-year grant agreement. Grant offers continue to be made to eligible applicants within the available budget.

As at 24 November 2025 there were:

2,268 eligible applicants who received a grant offer
2,221 eligible applicants with an executed grant agreement.

Over the two years, $205.6 million has been committed.

The average annual grant value of the 2,221 executed grant agreements across all tiers is $54,000. This is a significant increase in the average grant value of $24,000 from Rounds 1 to 3.

You can find other key statistics for Round 4 on our website.

See latest statistics

EMDG online portal is open for Round 4 milestone reports

The EMDG online portal opened today, 8 December 2025, for submission of Round 4 milestone reports.

Please refer to your grant agreement which outlines the reporting requirements and due dates.

We have also published information on our website to help guide you through the reporting process.

Milestone report evidence

Sample milestone reports

EMDG Independent Review

The independent reviewer, Mr Tim Yeend, would like to express his gratitude to those stakeholders who participated in the recent EMDG Independent Review consultation, held in August and September 2025.

Stakeholders had the opportunity to share their views on EMDG with the reviewer—who held over 60 consult meetings in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne and online, received more than 120 submissions and over 230 survey responses. All State and Territory Governments were consulted and provided valuable input to the review.

The input has been invaluable providing important insights to improve EMDG applicants’ experience and strengthen collaborations with representative bodies as well as other Commonwealth agencies.

All suggestions received are being carefully considered to ensure the recommended refinements will contribute to the smooth operation of the program, achieve value for money, and deliver stronger export outcomes for Australian SMEs.

Independent Review

Useful resources

Unlocking opportunities for Australian businesses in the UAE

The Australia-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 1 October. CEPA is Australia’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East, and first trade agreement with a dedicated chapter covering First Nations trade.

When fully implemented, more than 99% of Australia’s exports will enter the UAE duty free - saving Australian farmers, miners, manufacturers, other exporters and Australian businesses $185 million in its first year.

It’s a great time for exporters to seek new opportunities in the (UAE). Explore opportunities by sector on the Go Global Toolkit.

Go Global Toolkit

Take the next step in your export journey

Export Finance Australia's Small Business Export Loan supports growing businesses – it's ideal for working capital and closing cash flow gaps.

Export Finance Australia

Thank you to our subscribers

As we approach the end of another busy year, we would like to thank you for your ongoing interest and engagement with the EMDG program. We wish you a safe and restful holiday period and look forward to working with you in the new year.

Regards

The EMDG team

Export Market Development Grants

Explore our website for all the latest info on the EMDG program.

austrade.gov.au/emdg

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