Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: As Australia reopens its borders after the pandemic, Wisconsin businesses can visit the region in 2022 and take advantage of the Australian economy’s optimistic economic recovery outlook.
It is well known that exporters that visit a local market—ideally more than once—are more likely to succeed and increase sales more quickly. The COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to accomplish that in 2020 and 2021. While the business community has adapted with virtual solutions like online meetings and trade shows, the appeal of doing business in person has not been forgotten. In an encouraging move for Wisconsin exporters interested in or already exporting to Australia, the country is starting to reopen, and its economic forecasts are promising. Now is the time to start planning a visit in 2022.
Australia’s borders have been strictly closed since March 19, 2020. However, as the nation reaches its target of 80% double vaccination rates for its population, the road map for reopening Australia is gaining momentum. The states of New South Wales and Victoria already have announced plans for quarantine-free travel for double-vaccinated citizens and residents, and other states are expected to follow suit. The federal government is expected to open Australia to visitors from around the world starting in December 2021, with restrictions expected to be eased further by the second quarter of 2022.
The country’s reopening presents various opportunities for current and future exporters:
- Companies already doing business in Australia can start to plan to visit partners and conduct in-person site and market visits.
- Exporters that signed deals during the border closures should start to plan to visit their new partners to gain a better understanding of their operations and culture and to co-promote products and services.
- Trade shows are expected to be back in the first half of 2022, presenting an opportunity to meet potential partners in person and gain firsthand insights into the Australian market. This is ideal for new exporters looking to enter Australia or for existing business development managers who wish to expand their presence within the country.
Interested exporters are encouraged to:
- Read the Australian government’s National Plan to Transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response.
- Monitor the Australian Department of Health’s COVID-19 advice for international travelers.
- Monitor the Department of Home Affairs’ travel restrictions and exemptions advice.
- Contact WEDC to discuss assistance such as market research, partner searches and arranging market visits.
