From Cooktown to Coolangatta, technology to agriculture, Queensland goods and services are finding new and lucrative markets around the world.

According to merchandise goods data released by the ABS in early August, for the 2021-22 financial year, Queensland exports were valued at $116.8 billion – the highest on record.

Exports are a significant contributor to the state’s economy with two in five export dollars generated in Australia earned by Queensland exporters.

The finalists in Queensland’s annual nod to the state’s high achieving exporters, and most promising producers of new and innovative products that spark international demand, cross a variety of sectors and industries.

And their locations may surprise you.

Around 40 per cent of Queensland’s 7,000 goods exporters are based in regional and remote areas.

They find their way to global business pathways with the support of export award hosts, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).  The Queensland Government’s global business agency has 18 offices in 14 key markets and provides guidance, in-market expertise and support, network introductions, grants and initiatives.

While beef, coal, metals and gas exports are largest in terms of volume, the Awards showcase a range of inventive products and tech solutions that are impacting industries right around the world, some world firsts.

For instance, hailing from Noosaville, Helitak develops aerial firefighting equipment for helicopters using cutting edge design to combat large scale wildfires, and exports to the US and Europe.

Real Time Instruments (RTI) in Mackay designs world first, specialised element analysers critical to the detection of moisture and other contaminants in mining. The concept has now also been adapted to other sectors including food processing, biofuels and more. RTI export to India, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

In Woolloongabba, small business Tirtyl Trading has developed zero-waste, ‘just add water’ personal care and cleaning products, now being exported to Norway, South Korea, the US, Japan and Hong Kong.

From Logan, Imaging Solutions is an innovative, market leading manufacturer of personal radiation protection apparel, medical imaging diagnostic equipment and accessories, exporting to New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the US.

And then there’s Red Flow who have produced one of the world’s safest and cleanest energy storage solutions with the smallest zinc-bromine flow battery.

The range of award categories reflects the scope of activity across our state and is an encouraging sign of a forward-looking, solution-focused business landscape making their presence felt on the world stage.

With Queensland second only to WA in terms of export size, the international field is heating up.