Bilateral Agreements with Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia has been a significant trading partner for many countries around the globe, and bilateral agreements with Australia have become increasingly important to foster economic growth for both parties. These agreements cover a broad range of areas, such as trade, investment, taxation, education, and culture, among others.
Australia has made significant progress in establishing bilateral trade agreements over the years. The most notable ones include the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) signed in 2004 and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) signed in 2018.
The AUSFTA agreement removed most tariffs on goods, services, and investments between the two countries, resulting in significant economic benefits for both. In 2019, the United States exported over $23 billion worth of goods and services to Australia, making it the country`s fifth-largest export market.
The CPTPP is another significant agreement that Australia has signed, with the goal of increasing trade and investment links between the ten participating countries. This agreement includes countries such as Canada, Japan, and New Zealand, covering approximately 13.5% of the world`s total GDP, making it one of the world`s largest trade agreements.
Other important bilateral agreements with Australia include:
– The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA): Signed in 2015, this agreement has gradually reduced tariffs on Australian exports to China, resulting in an increase in the country`s exports to China by 45% from 2015 to 2019.
– The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA): This agreement came into effect in 2015, reducing tariffs on goods and services traded between the two countries. Japan is now Australia`s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth over $86 billion in 2019.
– The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA): Signed in 2014, this agreement has removed tariffs on 84% of the goods traded between the two countries, and this is expected to increase to 99.8% by 2020.
These trade agreements have resulted in numerous benefits for both Australia and its trade partners. They have facilitated increased trade and investment, created new business opportunities, and helped companies to access new markets and consumers.
In conclusion, bilateral agreements with Australia have become critical components of the country`s trade and investment strategy as they help to increase economic growth and opportunities for both countries. To take advantage of these agreements, businesses must understand the specific rules and regulations that govern trade and investment in the respective countries. With careful planning and preparation, companies can benefit greatly from the opportunities created by these agreements.