Trade deal with United Arab Emirates

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received advice from Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell confirming the conclusion of formal negotiation on an Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

"It is Australia's first free trade agreement with the Middle East, opening up new opportunities for trade diversification.

Australian exporters will benefit from the elimination of duties on over 99% of Australian goods exports by value, bringing an estimated to boost to Australian exports of around $678 million per year.

Service providers and suppliers will benefit from CEPA through locked-in market access in a range of sectors including consulting, environmental, education, health and financial services.

CEPA will promote two-way investment in a range of sectors, including those aligned with Australia's clean energy transition and Future Made in Australia goals.

The agreement cuts Australian import tariffs on UAE produced furniture, copper wire, glass containers and plastic, making them cheaper at the checkout and lowering business costs for tradies. It is estimated that Australian households and businesses will save around $40 million a year."

More detailed information can be found on the DFAT website