ChAFTA news
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) entered into force in December 2015. News and updated information is posted on this page.
April 2020
ChAFTA Post-Implementation Review: Call for submissions
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) welcomes written submissions from businesses and other interested stakeholders as part of a five year Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
Read more on ChAFTA Post-Implementation Review: Call for submissions
December 2017
China Australia Free Trade Agreement continues to deliver
Two years after its entry into force, ChAFTA has strengthened Australia's competitive advantage in China. The fourth round of ChAFTA tariff cuts will came into effect on 1 January 2018 for products like abalone, oranges, bottled wine and skincare products. This will deliver another boost for Australian exporters and their suppliers.
Media release: China Free Trade Agreement continues to deliver - tariff cuts in December 2017.
October 2017
Services and investment reviews commence
The Committees on Trade in Services, Investment, Financial Services and Movement of Natural Persons met on 25-27 October 2017 to progress reviews of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement. The meetings were held in Canberra, with a delegation from China attending. Once the review is complete, Australia will seek to move to negotiations to enhance ChAFTA commitments on investment and services that will be beneficial to Australia and China.
March 2017
Declaration of Intent on reviews of services and investment commitments signed in Canberra
On 24 March 2017, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Steven Ciobo, and Chinese Commerce Minister, Zhong Shan, signed a Declaration of Intent regarding Review of Elements of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, in the presence of Prime Minister Turnbull and Chinese Premier Li at Parliament House in Canberra.
Read more: Declaration of Intent on reviews of services and investment commitments signed in Canberra
Media release: New agreement with China to drive economic co-operation
December 2015
ChAFTA enters into force
On 20 December 2015 ChAFTA entered into force. ChAFTA is an historic agreement that will deliver real benefits to Australia, enhancing our competitive position in the Chinese market, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
- Media release: Historic China-Australia FTA enters into force
- Media release: China-Australia FTA a boost for tourism
- Guide to using ChAFTA to export or import
- ChAFTA frequently asked questions
- ChAFTA information and fact sheets
- ChAFTA text and tariff schedules
- FTA Portal – find your ChAFTA tariff here
- Media release: China-Australia FTA Benefits Set to Flow From 20 December
November 2015
Parliament passes implementing legislation
On 9 November 2015 the Australian Parliament passed ChAFTA customs-implementing legislation. Amendments to related regulations will shortly be submitted to Federal Executive Council (Exco) for approval. Once these processes have been completed, Australia will be ready to exchange notes with China to bring ChAFTA into force.
October 2015
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties completes review
The Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) tabled the report of its inquiry into ChAFTA in Parliament on 19 October 2015. JSCOT Report 154 included a number of recommendations, including that binding treaty action be taken.
September 2015
Legislation to implement ChAFTA
The legislation needed to implement ChAFTA was introduced into Parliament by Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb on 16 September 2015.
The Customs Amendment (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2015 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2015 are to be debated in the House of Representatives after the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties is tabled.
- Media release: Legislation for historic trade deal with China introduced into Parliament
- Implementation process and timeline
August 2015
Statement to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Inquiry into ChAFTA
On 17 August 2015 Jan Adams, PSM, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and representatives of other Australian government agencies, appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Inquiry into the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People's Republic of China. Read Deputy Secretary Adams' opening statement.
June 2015
Tabling of ChAFTA in Parliament
Minister Robb tabled the text of ChAFTA with the National Interest Analysis in the Australian Parliament on 17 June 2015. The agreement will now be considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT). Learn more about JSCOT and get details on how to make a submission.
The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee is also conducting an inquiry into ChAFTA and is receiving submissions. Get further details on the inquiry into ChAFTA.
ChAFTA signed
On 17 June 2015, Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb and Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng signed ChAFTA in Canberra.
Media release: Australia signs landmark trade agreement with China
November 2014
Conclusion of ChAFTA negotiations
In a ceremony held at Parliament House on 17 November, the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, and the Chinese Commerce Minister, Gao Hucheng, signed a Declaration of Intent in the presence Prime Minister Abbott and Chinese President Xi, formalising the conclusion of ChAFTA negotiations.