International agreements on trade and investment
Overview
All Australians benefit from trade: an increase in trade creates more Australian jobs and delivers more opportunities for Australian businesses.
Australia is party to a broad range of trade agreements that can impact on business operating in international markets.
Existing bilateral trade agreements
Australia has a number of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with important trading partners and is in negotiations and discussions for further agreements with a number of countries.
An FTA is a contractual agreement between two or more parties under which they give each other preferential market access.
Australia’s FTAs cover trade in goods and services, as well as other non-tariff issues such as the recognition of standards, customs co-operation, the protection of intellectual property rights and the regulation of foreign investment.
Australia has six existing Free Trade Agreements:
These are 'living' trade agreements with provisions for periodic reviews and ongoing discussions between parties to the agreements. For news and further information on these activities go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia is currently exploring a number of new Free Trade Agreements
As part of its commitment to pursue every opportunity to increase trade and investment for Australians, the Government is currently negotiating a range of free trade agreements with:
For further information go to www.dfat.gov.au/fta.
Other relevant negotiations
The World Trade Organization, with the Doha Round of negotiations and International Copyright Agreements also affect Australia's trade.