Free Trade Agreements
Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA)
Taking Advantage of TAFTA's Benefits and Opportunities
Overview
The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement is a major market opening agreement, which will result in Thai tariffs on virtually all goods imported from Australia being eliminated by 1 January 2010. It will also substantially improve the environment for bilateral services trade and investment.
Australian business is urged to take a close look at the new opportunities created by the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The reduction of Thailand's high tariff barriers (for some tariffs up to 200 per cent) means that exports may now become viable for a range of products. Opportunities are also opening in Thailand for Australian service providers, investors, and manufacturers and processors.
The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2005.
Key Outcomes
- Principal Outcomes on Trade in Goods
- Principal Outcomes on Services and Investment
- Australian Commitments on Tariffs
- Australian Commitments on Services and Investment
Full text of the Agreement
- Full text of the agreement (Also available in pdf, 341KB)
- Annexes and side letters
TAFTA and Changes to the Tariff Classification System (HS2007)
On 1 January 2007, changes were made to Australia’s tariff structure to reflect the latest five yearly amendments to an International Convention for classifying goods for trade purposes – known as HS2007.
HS2007 changes will impact on tariff classifications, Australian Harmonised Export Commodity Classifications (AHECC) and Rules of Origin.
HS2007 changes will not affect the tariff rates under the TAFTA.
Advice for importers and exporters arising from HS2007 can be obtained from the Australian Customs Service website
Guides
- Guide to the provisions of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement
- How to read each country's commitments on services and investment
- Brochure: Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (pdf, 200KB)
Requests for further information and advice should be directed to:
- Thailand Desk
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Annex R.G. Casey Building,
John McEwen Crescent,
Barton, ACT, 0221
REPORT
- The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement: economic effects (pdf - 48 pages)