The post was first established in 1983 as the Minister for International Trade by the Government Organization Act, 1983, which re-organized various governmental functions and updated the Department of External Affairs Act.

The lead responsibility for international trade was reassigned from the Department of Industry to the Department of External Affairs, and the position was created to assist the senior departmental minister, the Secretary of State for External Affairs at the time, in carrying out their responsibilities relating to international trade.

Gerald Regan, then the Minister of State (International Trade), was appointed to be the first office holder.

[6] Following the 2019 federal election, Mary Ng was appointed the office, but have been styled with three different titles.

She is currently styled as the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.