Global Trade Updates

The fifth round of tariff cuts under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) have come into effect, delivering wide-ranging benefits for Australian businesses that will help drive exports and create new jobs.

It’s time to launch to export and take your ideas global! If you’re a start-up or small business looking to expand overseas, you won’t want to miss IP Australia’s first ever IP Summit. Through a series of workshops, panel sessions and a keynote address, you’ll learn about the initiatives available to help you take on the world.

It’s been a long time in the making. Negotiations for the long-awaited Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement began more than seven years ago. And earlier this month, Australia joined 10 other nations to finally sign off on the deal.

This week I am visiting the United Kingdom to advance Australia’s ambitious trade agenda.

A range of skincare products has topped a list of the most trusted Australian brands among mainland Chinese consumers. 

NYC Immersion Program is a three month program designed for Australian businesses that are ready to expand into the US, with New York as their market entry point. The fully curated program offers a maximum of 15 carefully selected companies the opportunity to prepare for and be connected with providers across Australia and USA to facilitate a successful USA launch.

Australia’s total trade in services reached a new record of $166 billion in 2016-17, driving economic growth and helping create new jobs.

Federal funding announced this week will help bring to fruition two major projects that are key to the Central Highlands’ economic growth and sustainability.

The Export Council of Australia (ECA) interviewed a major Korean importer of fresh fruit about its mango imports from Australia. Australia’s key fresh fruit competitors in Korea include Peru (which has an FTA with Korea that came into force prior to KAFTA) and Brazil (which does not have an FTA with Korea).

Coface Regional Risk Assessments of the Metal sector: High in North America, Emerging Asia, Western Europe & Latin America

The regulations to implement the much anticipated new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa have now been released and will take effect from Sunday, 18 March 2018. Reforms to the permanent employer sponsored visa programs will also be implemented at the same time to complement these changes.

This week I will visit Hong Kong to advance Australia’s trade, tourism and investment interests. Growing Australia’s trade and attracting more investment and tourists will drive economic growth and help create new jobs.

Efic’s Small Business Export Loan helped Victorian-based beauty product business, Babe Australia (Babe), deliver on three purchase orders in the US and Mexico and continue to build brand presence overseas.

SYDNEY, Australia; January 30, 2018 – Thomas Global Systems today hosted the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, on an in-depth tour of the company’s Sydney manufacturing and research and development facilities.

The record run for Australian tourism rolls on with spending by international visitors reaching a new high of $41.3 billion for the year ending December 2017.

Short-term business travellers make up the largest proportion of many organisations' global mobility programs - and they can also pose the greatest compliance risk.

Rising confidence among Australia’s exporters is expected to grow trade and create new jobs this year. A survey of Australia’s small to medium exporters reveals confidence is 10 percentage points higher compared to this time last year. The Exporter Sentiment Index, released today, shows strong confidence among Australian SME exporters with five of the six measures higher than the last survey in 2017.

The ECA stands with other industry bodies to support Australia joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. More jobs, higher incomes, lower prices and more choice for consumers – just some of the reasons Australia should back the revived TPP.

Today’s signing of the TPP-11 delivers extra outcomes for Australian exporters that will help create new Australian jobs. Australian beef will benefit from further tariff cuts in a new bilateral agreement the Turnbull Coalition Government secured with Canada through a side letter.

New export opportunities, that will drive Australian jobs, will be created with the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11) tomorrow.

The biggest losers from the US’s steel and aluminium tariffs aren’t other countries that export to the US, the biggest losers are Americans. People mistakenly think tariffs are a burden that foreign exporters have to absorb. They are not; they are a tax on domestic businesses and consumers. Yes, tariffs hurt foreign exporters, but they are collateral damage. It is America’s economy that will bear the full cost of these tariffs. They will make products more expensive for American consumers and make American exporters less competitive.  

The NSW Government invites you to learn about the technology and innovation opportunities in ASEAN markets. This seminar will provide expert tips on boosting your export capabilities. This seminar is designed for businesses starting out on the export journey and those looking to consolidate their export knowledge.

Efic’s Small Business Export Loan helped breakthrough Queensland-based eyewear design studio, Pared Eyewear, take their product to a high-profile US department store.

The preparation of export documentation can be confusing, time consuming, costly and prone to human error, and yet correct export documentation is vital for any exporter to transact business in an efficient and cost effective way.

The Regional NSW Investment Prospectus was launched by the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro on Tuesday, 20 February 2018. This is the first time that Regional NSW has had a standalone online resource to provide potential investors (domestic and international) with the “how”, “who” and “what” to be able to invest with confidence.

This week I will visit São Paulo, the financial centre of Brazil, to promote Australia as an investment destination and identify opportunities for Australian companies operating in this world-recognised business hub.

Australia is having the wrong debate about trade. Trade agreements, like the TPP-11, are only as good as the companies using them. If we’re serious about boosting economic growth through trade, then trade agreements are only part of the answer. The priority must be to address the lack of SMEs in export.

Queensland Exporter of the Year and powerhouse Gold Coast business Evolve Skateboards has started its European campaign, with a high-profile presence at the recent ISPO Munich trade fair.

As a business, chances are you’re creating intellectual property that you’ll want to protect. The process of patenting can often be an uncertain and daunting journey. For first time applicants engaging an attorney can greatly increase the chances of success.

Export Council of Australia (ECA), the peak body representing the promotion of Australian industry in international markets as our primary goal has today announced the appointment of Ms. Alina Bain as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.