Trade

Australia’s economic prosperity is closely tied to our ability to integrate with global markets and maintain international competitiveness. We need to focus on reducing barriers to trade, including tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and prioritise free and open markets. ACCI advocates for government policy that pursues both multilateral trade and liberalisation through global organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and bilateral and regional agreements.

The growing prominence of trade in services and e-commerce means Australia needs to continue to extend its focus beyond traditional commodity exports, such as resources and agriculture. Government and business must also work together to ensure Australia remains globally competitive, enhancing market access and ensuring that trade agreements are commercially sound and able to be utilised by business. By embracing free trade and reducing barriers, Australia can advance its reputation as a global leader, attract investment and support business prosperity through sustained economic growth.

Alongside our trade negotiations internationally, ACCI advocates for domestic policy reforms that enhance the international competitiveness of our traders. 

The global trade ecosystem is constantly evolving. For Australia to thrive, we must remain competitive on the world stage, which means reducing barriers to trade and ensuring broad participation in global commerce. This needs a renewed focus on improving international market access.

Multilateral trade organisations like the WTO play a vital role in shaping global trade settings, and Australia must continue to be an active participant in these forums. At the same time, regional organisations, like APEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, are essential for Australia’s engagement with key economic partners in our region and beyond. Trade policy needs to be approached with a clear focus on advancing Australia’s economic interests while maintaining an open, liberal trading system. See our trade policy positions below. 

Chris Barnes

Head of Business Development and International Affairs

Contact

Free Trade

Eliminate barriers to global trade and investment
Australia’s long-term economic prosperity relies on our ability to engage in free and open global trade. Tariffs, quotas and non-tariff barriers distort the market and limit the ability of Australian businesses to compete in the international market. We advocate for the winding back, or where possible, total elimination of these barriers through the implementation and utilisation of bilateral, multilateral and regional trade agreements and by progressing unilateral reforms. By removing barriers to trade, Australian businesses will have better access to new markets to grow their international presence, which is critical for economic success and global competitiveness. 

Promote global competitiveness through market-driven reforms to support Australian business
We advocate for free trade policy to be complemented by domestic policy settings that boost Australia’s competitive advantage. This includes enhancing domestic productivity, encouraging innovation and removing domestic barriers to business growth that impacts Australia’s trade competitiveness, such as excessive regulatory burdens, labour market rigidity, and limits on access to capital. International competition should be a driver of domestic reforms, ensuring that Australia remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. 

Trade Policy and Negotiations

Advance the interests of Australian business in the negotiation of commercially-sound international trade agreements and their implementation and utilisation
Australia needs to play a major role in the global trade ecosystem through solidifying international trade agreements and participating in international arenas where decisions affect the interests of business. This includes ongoing participation in the WTO and other key organisatioins, such as APEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Trade negotiations should focus on improving market access and trade facilitation for Australian goods and services, including growing sectors like e-commerce, and ensuring that the agreements are commercially sound and able to be utilised by business.

Support a multi-pronged approach to trade liberalisation through multilateral, bilateral and regional trade agreements
We advocate for policy settings that promote competitive liberalisation, seeing Australia pursuing bilateral free trade agreements alongside multilateral negotiations. This allows Australia to secure favourable terms in key markets while continuing our advocacy for global trade reforms. It’s important for these agreements to align with WTO rules and avoid conflicting compliance arrangements, ensuring Australia’s participation in multiple trade agreements does not undermine its commitments to the global ecosystem.