A review of trade policies and practices of Australia over the period 2020–24. The review found that Australia's trade remained strong and its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic was aided by strong commodity prices for some of its key exports. Key challenges remain in respect of productivity, promoting foreign investment while encouraging industrial production.

A comprehensive record of trade-facilitating measures categorised by country, this report allows for comparative analysis of trade policies and highlights trends in trade facilitation. It finds a sharp and recent rise in trade-restrictive measures which the report suggests may lead to further uncertainty for the world economy.

The report provides transparency on trade policy trends and developments during a period marked by heightened geopolitical tensions. It finds that a global trend towards trade-restrictive practices is contributing to shortages, price volatility, and uncertainty. The report also provides updates on trade-related developments and discussions including e-commerce and trade and the environment.

This collaborative international report stresses that climate action needs to be stepped up to meet global emission reduction targets while contributing to broader development goals. It outlines how international organisations can support the coordination of cross-border policies and scale up climate action by closing the transparency, implementation and ambition gaps.

This agreement on electronic commerce follows five years of negotiations among a large and diverse group of World Trade Organization (WTO) Members, jointly convened by Australia, Japan and Singapore to establish new trade rules for the digital economy.