Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement

18th June, 2020

Australia and the United Kingdom have announced the commencement of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).

Australia is seeking an ambitious and comprehensive FTA with the UK that drives increased trade in goods and services, two-way investment, economic growth and job creation. An FTA with the UK also signals the shared commitment to open markets, free trade and the rules-based global trading system.

The UK is Australia’s seventh-largest trading partner. It is also Australia’s second-largest source of and destination for investment, with over AUD 1.1 trillion already invested across our two economies, and Australia’s third largest partner for trade in services.

The first round of negotiations will be conducted virtually, commencing on 29 June.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) welcomes submissions throughout the negotiations from interested individuals and groups on the potential opportunities and impacts of an FTA with the UK. Individuals, organisations and groups that make submissions are registered as stakeholders by DFAT for further consultation and follow up, as appropriate. See the DFAT Submissions page for more information.

At this stage there is no target date set for implementation other than the Governments’ ambition to conclude the deal as quickly as possible.

Further information on the Australia-UK FTA can be found at: www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/negotiations/aukfta