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(Last updated: 28 Mar 2009)
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.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) advisory statement
As of 12 January 2009, the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is now required by the US Department of Homeland Security for citizens of Visa Waiver Programs (including Australia) before entering the USA. Further information is available.
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
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations covering food (human and animals) exports to the USA have changed. New Bioterrorism Act regulations came into effect on 12 December 2003. Food exporters that do not comply with these new regulations will have their goods refused for entry to the United States.
Please note the following exemption: Truck terminals and other stationary facilities that serve merely to assist transportation vehicles in the process of transporting food are not required to be registered with FDA. For the purpose of the registration Interim Final Rule, truck terminals and freight forwarders that are part of the transportation network and have possession, custody, or control of food for the sole purpose of facilitating its transport are not required to be registered with FDA.
FDA acknowledges that this response is not completely consistent with certain prior guidance. Austrade would recommend that exporters access the Implications for Australian Exporters guide which details export compliance rules under these new regulations. 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.
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| Capital city: |
Washington D.C. |
| Surface area: |
9,364,000 sq km |
| Population: |
302 million |
| Official language(s): |
English |
| Head of State & Head of Government: |
President The Hon Mr Barack H Obama |
| Australian exports to the USA: |
A$10,604 million |
| Australian imports from the USA: |
A$24,326 million |
| The USA's principal export destinations: |
Canada, Mexico, China |
| The USA's principal import sources: |
China, Canada, Mexico | (Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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Key economic indicators and statistics for 2008:
- GDP – US$14,334 billion
- GDP per capita – US$47,025
- Real GDP growth – 1.4 per cent
- Inflation –3.1 per cent
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.
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)
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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:
- The Executive, headed by the President.
- 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
- 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. |
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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.
Major Australian exports to USA (2007-08):
- Beef – A$949 million
- Crude petroleum – A$842 million
- Alcoholic beverages – A$737 million
- Passenger motor vehicles – A$678 million
Major Australian imports from USA (2007-08):
- Aircraft, spacecraft and parts – A$2,110 million
- Civil engineering equipment and parts – A$1,145 million
- Passenger motor vehicles – A$930 million
- Measuring and analysing instruments – A$902 million
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet) |
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