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Trade and investment

Trade and investment

International trade and investment is critical to the Australian economy, providing jobs and prosperity. International trade and investment opens up opportunities for Australians to expand their businesses. Trade agreements can improve market access across all areas of trade – goods, services and investment – and help to maintain and stimulate the competitiveness of Australian firms. This benefits Australian consumers through access to an increased range of better-value goods and services.

Foreign investment has helped build Australia's economy and will continue to enhance the wellbeing of Australians by supporting economic growth and innovation into the future. Foreign investment supplements domestic savings: without foreign investment, production, employment and income would all be lower.

Australia participates in international organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the G20, APEC and the OECD to help build Australia's economic growth and prosperity.

Australia also participates in World Expos on a case-by-case basis. These present an opportunity to attract investment, showcase Australia's innovation and business capabilities and expand export markets.

Find out more about Expo 2020

Free trade agreements

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.

Trade and investment data

DFAT provides a range of information resources to help importers, exporters, producers, investors and other Australian businesses to trade and invest with other countries and regions.

What do you want to find out more about?

Free trade agreements – visit our FTA Portal for help making the most of Australia's FTAs, or our free trade agreements pages for details about specific agreements already in force or under negotiation.

Countries or regions you want to do business with – browse our trade and economic fact sheets

Australia's trading activity – see our trade and economic statistics publications

Investing in Australia – learn about Australia's foreign investment policy

How DFAT works with Australian businesses – get information and links from our Engage with DFAT section, including how to make a submission.

Importing – the Australian Border Force can help with queries about tariff concessions.

ExportingAustrade provides free information for Australian companies about exporting and doing business in international markets.

Brexit – find out what it means for business

 

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