Chris Elstoft, left, Australia's diplomat to the Midwest, speaks with Gov. Kelly Armstrong during a visit to Bismarck on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Governor's Office)
North Dakota technology could be of interest to producers in Australia, said the country’s Midwest diplomat, who made the first trip here in years to scout trade and investment opportunities.
Australia was North Dakota’s third-largest international buyer in 2024, behind only Canada and Mexico, according to data published by the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative. North Dakota sold the country $252 million in goods last year.
Australia is especially interested in North Dakota agriculture, defense and energy products, Chris Elstoft, Australia’s Consul-General in Chicago, said during a visit to Bismarck this week.
Uncertainty over the Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign imports has “not been very helpful” in facilitating trade between the two nations, he said, though the relationship remains strong.
“We’re sitting at 10%, which is not ideal, but is not unmanageable,” said Elstoft. The United States consistently exports more goods to Australia than it imports.
Elstoft serves as Australia’s representative in 12 Midwestern states: North Dakota, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
His tour is facilitated by the North Dakota Trade Office. Elstoft said this is his first visit to North Dakota, though his predecessor had last visited the state four years ago. In addition to Bismarck, he plans to visit Grand Forks, Fargo and Jamestown.
Technology developed by and for North Dakota industries could be of use to producers in Australia, Elstoft said. He said North Dakota farmers sell a lot of used agricultural equipment to Australia, for example.
“Your farmers tend to like to have the newest model every two or three years,” he said. “It seems like we have a few farmers in Australia that are happy to take the harvester, or whatever it is, off their hands.”
He added that Australian companies produce technology and equipment for the oil, gas and mining sectors that North Dakota businesses could benefit from.
Elstoft said as Australia is increasing its defense spending, it’s also becoming a major buyer of U.S. military products.
“On the defense side, we’re very comfortable and confident that that alliance between the two countries just continues to strengthen,” he said.
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