Overseas companies in certain countries benefit from the trade agreements Australia has entered into. Currently Australia has free trade agreements (FTA) with the United States, Thailand and Singapore as well as a closer economic relations agreement with New Zealand and a trade and investment framework with Indonesia.

The Australian government is currently in negotiations with a number of other countries in order to provide importers in those counties and Australian exporters with an easier, less restricted trading environment.

These trade agreements encourage investment, open up global markets and promote trade to and from the signatory countries.

Importers in these countries benefit from the open market and the ease with which they can take advantage of the benefits of buying Australian raw materials, products, services, and expertise. The benefits of importing from Australia vary from country to country and industry to industry. Please read the information about the trade agreement between Australia and your country to fully understand the direct benefits to your company in importing from Australia.


The preferential trade agreement between the USA and Australia came into force on January 1, 2005. This historic agreement allows US companies to import many of Australia's manufacturing and non-agricultural goods duty free with tariffs on all trade in goods to be duty free by 2015. Australia-United States

Free Trade Agreement - Final Text
The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia


The SAFTA came into force on July 28, 2003 making it easier than ever to import Australian goods and services as well as facilitating business partnerships and transactions by allowing easier entry into Singapore for Australian business people.

Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement - Full Text


Entered into force on January 1, 2005 TAFTA is a major market opening agreement. TAFTA eliminates more than 2,500 tariffs, opening the door for Thai importers to take advantage of the tariff free importation of hundreds of Australian products, services and goods. The removal of these tariffs means that nearly 80 per cent of Australian exports can now be freely imported into Thailand.

Thailand - Australia Free Trade Agreement - Full Text


Beginning with the New Zealand and Australia Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1966 trade agreements between New Zealand and Australia have evolved into what is now known as The Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement. ANZCERTA, also known as CER, has evolved as an umbrella agreement covering almost all aspects of the Australia - New Zealand trade and economic relationship, ensuring close collaboration across regulatory and product standards and business law issues as well as quarantine, customs and transport.

ANZCERTA Texts and Guides
The Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Agreement: 1983 - 2003 Backgrounder
Original New Zealand - Australia Free Trade Agreement - Full Text


The Indonesian - Australia Trade and Investment Framework (TIF) was signed on September 29, 2005. With Indonesia being Australia's 10th largest trading partner and trade between the countries being valued at AUS$8.5 billion during 2004, the framework should improve the bilateral business environment and strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the two countries.


Following a joint feasibility study, Australia and China began FTA negotiations in May 2005. Potential import opportunities for China would be in the goods, services and investment areas, with a particular focus on agriculture and mining.


For the last 40 years Japan has been a major import market for Australian products and services and the proposed free trade agreement between Japan and Australia would provide new and improved opportunities for Japanese companies to import value-added products and services from Australia. The agreement is currently undergoing a feasibility study in the two countries, with both sides recognising the economic, political and strategic importance of the bilateral relationship which has been predicted to produce AUS$27 billion in additional GDP for Japan over the next 20 years.


Negotiations have begun for a Malaysia - Australia Free Trade Agreement with hopes that it will be finalised by the end of 2006. If the agreement is reached Malaysia's SME's could benefit from economic integration, joint ventures and franchise opportunities with Malaysian importers benefiting from low or no tariffs on purchasing Australian training services, information and communications technology, biotechnology, agricultural, pharmaceutical and other products.


A Joint Experts Group is due to investigate opportunities for further bilateral economic cooperation between Australia and Mexico. As the world's 9th largest economy and 8th largest exporter, Mexico is actively seeking to reduce its reliance on the USA as a trading partner. A trade agreement with Australia could be beneficial to businesses in both countries and allow Mexico to take advantage of import opportunities in the energy, education, food and beverage, agriculture and mining sectors.


Although not yet finalised, negotiations are progressing towards free trade agreement between the UAE and Australia. As the UAE successfully repositions from an oil and gas based economy into a services based economy, there has been strong economic growth. The resultant rise in the standard of living has meant a demand for many of the goods and services Australia exports. If the FTA between the United Arab Emirates and Australia goes ahead companies in the UAE will be able to take advantage of duty free imports of Australia's professional services and goods.

UAE & Australia - From Cooperation Agreement to Free Trade Agreement PDF.


ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), New Zealand and Australia are due to complete negotiations for a free trade agreement by early 2007. While tariffs are relatively low at present, an FTA would further reduce barriers to trade by providing a greater consistency of rules and regulations particularly in investment, foreign ownership and professional services.

ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement