Seven Australian fashion brands are flying to Hong Kong this week as part of a new international export program launched by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC).
Called ‘Global Gateways’, the new program is designed to drive long-term growth for Australian fashion in high-value markets. It also comes amid recent changes to United States tariff settings, including the removal of the de minimis threshold, which the AFC noted has increased pressure on exporters and reinforced the need for diversified market strategies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
The program’s first mission will take place at ‘Centrestage’ in Hong Kong from September 3 to 6, delivered in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and further supported by Investment NSW.
The inaugural delegation of seven leading Australian designers includes Bondi Born, Maara Collective, Bond-eye, West 14th, Re/lax Remade, Monika Branagan and Neuono. Together, they will present collections to buyers and media, supported by targeted business-matching and in-market programming to secure successful commercial outcomes. An estimated 8,500 buyers and media from Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and beyond are expected to attend.
The delegation will also take part in a cultural diplomacy event co-hosted with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Flights for designers are supported by Hong Kong Airlines, marking the launch of its new Sydney to Hong Kong route, and will launch its direct service to Melbourne from mid-December.
Global Gateways adds to Australian Fashion Week (AFW) – now under AFC stewardship – and together creates the AFC’s inbound-outbound annual program of international buyer engagement.
“Global Gateways is about embedding Australian fashion into the world’s most high-value markets, and we’re thrilled to begin this program in Hong Kong,” AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James said.
“As one of Asia’s most influential fashion centres, its proximity to Australia and position as a re-export hub create unmatched advantages for export-ready brands. There is a significant, growing global appetite for Australian fashion, and the AFC is well-positioned to create new export pathways that provide our industry with enduring commercial growth.”
The Australian fashion and textile industry generates $28 billion annually, employs almost 500,000 Australians, and exports around $7.2 billion. Exports are more than wine and beer combined.
HKTDC deputy executive director Sophia Chong said its Centrestage event is an ideal meeting point for fashion brands and designers from across the globe.
“As the flagship fashion event for Asia, Centrestage not only celebrates virtuosity in design and craftsmanship, but also propels both local and international brands into the broader Asian market, supporting the vigorous development of the local fashion industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global fashion hub and world-class East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.”
Looking ahead, the AFC will expand Global Gateways in 2026, building a rolling schedule of in-market activations supported by export education, capability-building resources and aftercare to support successful commercial outcomes.