Last updated: 10 June 2012
Market profile
Doing Business
The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) came into force on 1 January 2005. The AUSFTA is an agreement that gives Australian businesses expanded access to the world’s largest importer and investor.
More information on doing business in United States of America
Country Profile
Content supplied by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- ECONOMIC CLIMATE
The United States is Australia's most important economic partner country (when goods, services and investment are combined).
» read more at DFAT
- TRADE RELATIONS
The USA is Australia's single largest trade and investment partner. Many of our trade priorities have been addressed in the AUSFTA.
» read more at DFAT
- POLITICAL CLIMATE
The United States is a liberal democracy with a federal political structure comprising 50 states and the District of Columbia.
» read more at DFAT
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.