TRADE FOCUS 
New report shows benefits of open trade policy
A new comprehensive study (pdf) shows the sweeping benefits of broad trade liberalisation for the Australian economy.
The study - Benefits of Trade and Trade Liberalisation - was released by the Minister for Trade Simon Crean on 1 June 2009.
It shows that trade liberalisation added 2.5-3.5 per cent to the Australian economy over the past two decades, and benefitted the average Australian working family by up to $3,900 per annum
Mr Crean said the study was a "strong reminder that Australia needs to remain engaged with the world – not retreat from it – in the face of the recession."
Download Benefits of Trade and Trade Liberalisation (pdf - 1.3MB). Also available in rtf (11.5MB).
Australian trade policy and news
Latest trade news
- Trade balance seasonally adjusted - May 2009
- DFAT invites submissions on PACER Plus
- New Ministerial Dialogue with Japan
- New tax information protocol with Belgium
- Australia increases support for trade in developing countries.
- Strengthening Ties with the EU and Advancing the Doha Round.
- Australia's trade in goods and services - 2008
- Composition of Trade Australia 2008 (pdf)
- Investment in new mine and clean coal technologies to create jobs, 11 June
- The Pacific Region: Realising the Potential, 10 June
More Trade Focus articles
- Trade: the 2009-10 Budget, 12 May
- Trade Minister Visit to Shanghai and Inland China
- December 2008 Trade Surplus: $589 million
- High food prices, food security and the international trading system
DFAT Submissions
- DFAT Submission to the National Aviation Policy Statement
- DFAT Submission to the Review of Australia's Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry (pdf)
- DFAT Submission to the Review of the National Innovation System (pdf)
- DFAT Submission to the Review of Australia's Automotive Industry 2008 (pdf)
Seeking Submissions
- DFAT invites submissions on PACER Plus
The Department invites public submissions and comments on a prospective trade and economic agreement between Australia, New Zealand and the Forum Island Countries, known as PACER Plus. Initial submissions are sought by 31 July 2009. - Do you have a view on the development of a Certificates of Origin Accreditation Scheme?
- Do you have a view on a possible Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea?
- DFAT continues to seek public submissions and comments on Australia's participation in TPP negotiations.
- Do you have a view on the proposed Australia-India Free Trade Agreement?
- Theft of intellectual property is a growing problem in world trade. A new standard of intellectual property (IP) enforcement to combat the high levels of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods worldwide is being proposed.
More information on Australia's trade performance
Trade balance seasonally adjusted
