Global Trade Updates

With over 22,000 foreign companies registered in Australia, it’s no secret that Australia is an attractive destination for corporates looking to invest in a new market. Having experienced close to 26 consecutive years without a recession – nearly the longest period of expansion of any economy across the developed world – Australian GDP has increased by 23 per cent since 2008, compared to growth of three per cent across Europe.

PwC is undertaking an independent study of FTA utilisation for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).The study will analyse FTA utilisation and the broader impact of FTAs on Australian business activity and will make recommendations to support FTA policy, implementation and advocacy. The research covers all of Australia’s FTAs, with an emphasis on the most recent agreements with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. 

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) welcomes the launch of the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA), which the Australian Minster for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, announced today with Peru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Tourism, Eduardo Ferreyros.

Moves to revive the Trans-Pacific Partnership are good news for Australia, which stands to gain significant economic benefits from the regional trade agreement. The TPP will deliver benefits for Australia by reducing barriers to trade in a wide range of goods and services and improving access to export markets in the Asia-Pacific.  

The success of Australia’s exporters will be celebrated through the 55th Australian Export Awards program, which opens today. The awards highlight the international business success of Australian companies based on export growth, marketing and financial strategies. I encourage exporters from all states and territories to enter.

The Export Council of Australia (ECA), with the WA Department of Commerce and our valued award partners, are pleased to announce that applications for the 2017 Western Australian Industry & Export Awards are now open.

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) in collaboration with Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) are delighted to present an event for prospective and established exporters who are looking to expand their business operations and connect into ASEAN.

Following a rigorous worldwide design competition, Populous have been selected to design the prestigious National Speed Skating Arena (NSSA) in Beijing: the main venue and the city’s only permanent new venue, for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA) is the most prestigious export award in Victoria. Rewarding Victoria’s most successful and innovative exporters with the stamp of international success, a GOVEA gives your business recognition in local and international markets.

Online Fashion Success is the event that connects Australian Fashion and Retail Technology leaders for global opportunity. You can join the workshop and interact with presenters over three sessions of insights, innovation and strategy followed by networking drinks.

All women are invited to apply for a limited pool of residual scholarship funding that has been provisioned for participation in a range of leadership development courses. The grants are allocated for the current financial year and must be awarded prior to June 30th, 2017.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has finally issued a ruling on the vexing issue of what to do about a pending trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Singapore. Nearly all of the agreement will now start coming into force after an exchange of signatures and companies can prepare for the benefits of this FTA.

The trade ministers from the 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries will be gathering this weekend in Hanoi to discuss bringing the agreement into force. While the TPP didn’t require many changes from the United States, which is already relatively open, and then structured the overall agreement largely to match its own domestic procedures, the same cannot be said for the remaining TPP members.

In less than six weeks, changes to the screening of US-bound air cargo will impact your US export business. After 1 July 2017, you will be unable to export to the US by air unless you comply with US air cargo screening requirements that require strict 100 per cent piece-level screening. While these requirements are imposed by the US Government, it is your responsibility to check what impact the changes will have on your business. Many of businesses have already secured their export arrangements. Are you ready? 

This weekend in Vietnam, at the sidelines of an APEC meeting, Australian Trade Minister Steven Ciobo will meet with trade ministers from ten other countries to discuss the future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) and Trade & Investment Queensland, in conjunction with our award partners, are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2017 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) believes that with the right encouragement and tools, more Australian businesses, particularly Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), can take on and succeed in the world of international trade.

Welcome to the autumn edition of International Business Today – our first for 2017. In this edition we explore the Netherlands: the gateway to Europe. So dust off those old wooden clogs and break out the crackers and Dutch Gouda as Niels Strazdins gives you a special insight into this tiny powerhouse, strategically located between Europe’s two biggest continental economies. Niels explains why the Netherlands is now one of the hottest start-up hubs in Europe – and identifies opportunities for Australian exporters. The country provides an ideal place for Australian entrepreneurs and start-ups to begin their international journey.

Have you ever wished for a streamlined process around Certificates of Origin? We want to know from you about key “pain points” and suggestions to make it easier for you. There could be a solution around the corner, but we need to hear from you.

A new digital tool has been launched to help Australian businesses plan for international expansion with a one-stop-shop that provides data-driven insights to support export plans.

Many SMEs struggle with the idea of exporting or doing business overseas, especially when their local business is going well. However, there are many benefits to taking your products or services to the world, such as: Increased sales revenue and profit; lowering risk & more innovation. And when your business succeeds, so does Australia, as exports are a driver of economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.

Singapore is an ideal ASEAN entry point for Australian businesses, especially those who are more risk averse or cautious about establishing operations in less developed regional markets. It is sophisticated and stable, and one of the most free and well-connected economies to Australia, ASEAN and the wider world.

The Turnbull Government is helping Aussie businesses become exporters through a new app launched today. Export Essentials, now available for Apple and Android devices from their app stores, is the first of its kind specifically targeting the export community.

Trade and investment are key drivers of innovation and long-term prosperity for Australia. At the Export Council of Australia (ECA), we believe that Australian jobs are best created and protected over the long term through an open and competitive economic system.

Australian companies need to change their mindset if they are to capitalise on the significant opportunities offered by the fast-growing ASEAN market, according to a new report from HSBC Australia and the Export Council of Australia. 

Malaysia has one of the most sophisticated economies, advanced infrastructure networks and stable political environments in South-East Asia.