Market profile

The United States of America (US) remains the world’s largest economy, with an annual gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$18 trillion (nominal) and a population of over 323 million people. The US is one of Australia’s most important trade and investment partners: the largest foreign investor in Australia, Australia’s largest foreign investment destination, and the fourth largest destination for Australian exports.

The US is a leading engine of innovation and a critical research and development (R&D) partner for Australian businesses and institutions. The US market’s world leading consumer demand is an attractive opportunity for Australian exporters, but is highly competitive and diverse. Australia enjoys considerable market access advantages under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Read about Australia's Investment Footprint in the US - Mapping Australia's Foreign Direct Investment in the US (PDF 6.714MB)

More information on doing business in United States of America

Access more resources on the US market

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

The CCPA came into force on January 1 2020, creating new consumer rights for California residents relating to the access to, deletion of and sharing of personal information that is collected by businesses. If you are an Australian company doing, or planning to do, business in California, you will need to consider whether your business is covered by the CCPA.

US regional market profiles

United States market insights and opportunities

Facts

  • Merchandise exports A$13,440 million
  • Services exports A$9,658 million
  • Capital Washington DC
  • Official language English
  • Area 9,147,420 sq km
  • Population 327.4 million

Visit United States of America

Events

More Events

News

More News

Information provided by DFAT

Country brief

A comprehensive overview of political, economic and bilateral and regional trade agreements.

» read more at DFAT

Trade and economic fact sheet

Containing general information, recent economic indicators, Australia’s trade and investment relationship with United States of America and their global merchandise trade relationship that is updated twice a year.

» read more at DFAT

 

Australia's trade at a glance – Australia's top ten trading partners

Free Trade Agreement

Information on Trade Agreements in force and in negotiation, plus market videos detailing insights and opportunities.

» read more at DFAT

Business risks

Bribery of Foreign Officials

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.

Protecting your IP overseas

The Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (Efic) in collaboration with IP Australia, has released a whitepaper on protecting your IP overseas.

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.

Are you ready to export?

Austrade’s International Readiness Indicator.

An online tool for new exporters that has been designed to help Australian businesses determine whether their business is ready for exporting.

Test Your Readiness

Become an Austrade member

Here are some benefits of being a member:

  • Create email alerts
  • Quick event registration
  • Set country and industry preferences

Join Austrade Today

Export grants

Need help with preparing and lodging your application? We can provide independent consultants to assist.

EMDG applications can be lodged by approved consultants.

Visit the Consultants page

How Austrade can help

Austrade provides information, advice and range of trade services to assist Australian businesses reduce the time, cost and risk associated with exporting.

Help from Austrade