How to become an Importer or Exporter
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the operations of an importing or exporting establishment.
Main tasks
- Develops and implements strategies for importing or exporting operations
- Oversees the day-to-day operations of importing or exporting activities
- Establishes and maintains relationships with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders
- Negotiates contracts and agreements with suppliers and customers
- Manages the logistics and transportation of goods
- Ensures compliance with customs regulations and international trade laws, and reviews import and export documentation
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Customs Broking (TLI50822); Diploma of International Freight Forwarding (TLI50119); Certificate III in International Freight Forwarding (Operator) (TLI31321)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $95,992 a year
- About 18,600 people work in this job group now, and about 21,700 are projected by 2035. (+16.4%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Importer or Exporter?
Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Diploma of Customs Broking; Diploma of International Freight Forwarding.
How much does an Importer or Exporter earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $95,992 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Importer or Exporter a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2035, from about 18,600 to about 21,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Importer or Exporter?
Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Diploma of Customs Broking; Diploma of International Freight Forwarding.
Will AI change the work of an Importer or Exporter?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04