(Last updated: 10 Jun 2011)

Current business situation

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the USA. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

US visa category created exclusively for Australians

The E-3 visa is available and will greatly assist companies seeking to take advantage of opportunities available under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. Further information is available.

Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement

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.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations: bioterrorism regulations

See www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

In response to the Bioterrorism Act, the FDA has issued final interim rules on the Registration of Food Facilities and Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments.

Items such as food additives, colour additives, antibiotic drugs, insulin, and most prescription drugs are subject to pre-marketing approval by the FDA. Various food items such as confectionery, dairy products, poultry, eggs, meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seafood may also be subject to requirements of other agencies. The FDA is also responsible for testing food for any poisonous or harmful substances (including levels of pesticide residues on raw agriculture goods) and regulating the quality of goods.

For Australian food exporters, the most important regulation the FDA enforces is the adherence to Bioterrorism regulations. It is very important that new exporters understand and comply with the requirements before sending any food product to the United States.

Exporters can also access the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website for further information. Australian exporters should also discuss requirements with their Austrade Export Adviser.

Country facts

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

The US economy is market-oriented, and businesses and large corporate bodies have a strong voice in the development of economic policy. Strong traditions in competition and enterprise have made the USA the world’s leader in software, electronics, and communications technology.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

The USA is a federal republic with a strong democratic tradition, based on the US Constitution. The Constitution reserves certain powers to the states, which are presided over by a Governor, state legislature, and State Supreme Court.

The US Federal Government has three branches that monitor one another through a system of checks and balances:

1. The Executive, headed by the President.
2. The Legislative, headed by a bicameral Congress and comprises the Senate – 100 members for a six-year term, and the House of Representatives – 435 members for a two-year term.
3. The Judicial, of which the Supreme Court carries supreme interpretive powers of the Constitution.

The President and members of the Senate and House of Representatives are democratically elected by citizens aged 18 or over.

The US consists of 50 States headed by an elected Governor.

Trade relations and statistics

Many US corporations view Australia as an investment destination for Asia Pacific operations. There is growing appreciation of Australia as a supplier of leading edge products.

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.

The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed in 1994 between Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

The USA is the world’s richest market and Australia’s second largest export destination with a nine per cent share of Australia’s export market. The USA is Australia's single largest trade and investment partner. Australia is the 14th largest export destination for the USA and the eighth largest foreign investor in the USA.

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.