This report explores the understanding and utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities from trade, including under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) entered into by the Australian Government, the challenges that Australian businesses face in accessing the benefits of trade, and how they can be encouraged and supported to participate further. It recognises that a global rise in protectionist sentiment poses a significant challenge for Australia as a trading nation. 

The report makes 13 recommendations to contribute to reducing barriers to participation and better equipping Australian businesses to engage with trade opportunities.

Key recommendations

• Develop an overarching strategy for building awareness and capacity for Australian businesses to engage with international trade and free trade agreements.
• Continue to resource departments to work proactively with industry to identify and resolve non-tariff barriers to trade.
• Prioritise increased efforts to broaden and diversify trade relationships to mitigate the against future shocks in existing trade relationships.
• Continue to proactively engage in advocating for standards harmonisation at the multilateral level.
• Develop a long-term strategy for enhanced targeted education and outreach programs among certain groups such as small and medium sized enterprises, First Nations, and diaspora communities to build awareness and capacity to engage with and benefit from trade.
• Prioritise and expedite efforts to address barriers and challenges to the export of native foods and botanicals.