Australian defence exports fall amid Covid-19 challenges
25 May 2021
by Jon Grevatt
The value of permits issued to Australian defence exporters declined sharply during the first half of financial year (FY) 2020–21: a trend almost certainly caused by challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently updated data published by the Australian Department of Defence’s (DoD’s) Defence Export Controls (DEC) branch shows that by the end of the first half of 2020–21 – or the end of calendar year 2020 – the estimated value of export permits was AUD1.33 billion (USD1 billion).
Australia’s international military sales have grown since the launch of a defence exports strategy in 2018. (Australian DoD)
Department of Defence
The number of Australian small businesses in this year’s Australian Defence Sales Catalogue has surged, underlining the increasing strength of Australia’s world-class defence industry.
The fifth edition of the Australian Defence Sales Catalogue showcases some of Australia’s leading-edge products, technologies and services available for export, with small businesses represented from every state and territory.
A total of 214 Australian small businesses are featured in this year’s edition, a 25 per cent increase from the previous edition.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the increase highlighted the growth and breadth of Australia’s defence industry sector, despite the impacts of COVID-19.