Businesses navigating free trade agreements can often find it an overwhelming process of finding the right information. Below we’ve broken down what free trade agreements (FTAs) are, countries Australia has them with, and links to comprehensive resources to assist businesses within Australia navigating freight forwarding – if you have any questions our team at Personalised Freight Solutions will be able to help you.
If you would like to see more of our range of services in regards to sea freight – please don’t hesitate to visit our Sea Freight page here .
What are Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)?
A free trade agreement (FTA) is an international treaty between two or more economies that reduces or eliminates certain barriers to trade in goods and services, as well as investment. FTAs benefit Australian exporters, importers, producers and investors by reducing and eliminating certain barriers to international trade. The Oxford English Dictionary records the use of the phrase “free trade agreement” with reference to the Australian colonies as early as 1877.
What counties does Australia have Free Trade Agreements with?
Australia currently has free trade agreements in force with Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Australia’s entry-into-force date’s per country for FTAs
The following are Australia’s free trade agreements (listed with the entry-into-force date).
- Australia-New Zealand (ANZCERTA or CER) – 1 January 1983
- Singapore-Australia (SAFTA) – 28 July 2003
- Australia-United States (AUSFTA) – 1 January 2005
- Thailand-Australia (TAFTA) – 1 January 2005
- Australia-Chile (ACl-FTA) – 6 March 2009
- ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA) – 1 January 2010 for eight countries: Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Burma, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. For Thailand: 12 March 2010. For Laos: 1 January 2011. For Cambodia: 4 January 2011. For Indonesia: 10 January 2012
- Malaysia-Australia (MAFTA) – 1 January 2013
- Korea-Australia (KAFTA) – 12 December 2014
- Japan-Australia (JAEPA) – 15 January 2015
- China-Australia (ChAFTA) – 20 December 2015
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – 30 December 2018
- Australia-Hong Kong (A-HKFTA) – 17 January 2020
- Peru-Australia (PAFTA) — 11 February 2020
- Indonesia- Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) – 5 July 2020
- Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus – 13 December 2020
What resources are available to support Australian businesses navigate FTAs?
DFAT’s FTA Portal is a comprehensive resource for exporters, and importers of goods and service providers looking to explore the benefits of Australia’s current free trade agreements and how to apply for preferential treatment under those FTAs.
You can access the FTA Portal at ftaportal.dfat.gov.au.
Another great resource is the Free Trade Advantage Online platform. The Free Trade Advantage online platform brings together a range of practical advice and resources to help Australian businesses access the benefits of Australia’s FTAs.
Filled with videos, animations, interactive quizzes, and a glossary to explain all the technical terms – Free Trade Advantage is designed to help new and experienced exporters alike navigate the FTA process, making sure Australian businesses make the most of all the benefits FTAs have to offer.
There’s also a range of business case study videos, webinars and other resources available for sharing and creating tailored FTA learning journeys.
Check out the useful links above & If you need further assistance with your individual circumstances please feel free to contact the PFS team anytime!