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Australia and the European Union (EU) launched negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on 18 June 2018. Negotiations concluded on 24 March 2026, as announced by Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Regulatory Framework

This comprehensive, balanced and commercially meaningful agreement will deliver economy-wide benefits to Australia, including significant new opportunities for Australian exporters, producers, and skilled professionals. The EU is a massive, high-income market of around 450 million people that had a nominal GDP of US$21.1 trillion in 2025. As a bloc, it is Australia’s third largest two-way trading partner and second largest source of total foreign investment.

Under this deal Australian farmers and producers will gain significant new opportunities into a market that has been difficult or effectively closed for decades.

The A-EU FTA will facilitate greater EU investment in Australia, supporting economic growth, more jobs and higher wages for Australians.

Benefits for exporters

The agreement will open doors into the EU for premium, sustainable Australian agricultural products and processed foods – including for key commodities such as beef, sheep meat, sugar, grains, nuts, horticulture, dairy, seafood and wine.

Beef

The A-EU FTA guarantees preferential access of 35,000 tonnes carcase weight equivalent (cwe) per year into the EU on full implementation – including 30,600 tonnes (cwe) of new market access.

This represents nearly an eight-fold increase on Australia’s previously guaranteed access.

Sheep meat

The A-EU FTA guarantees preferential access of 30,851 tonnes (cwe) per year into the EU on full implementation – including new market access of 25,000 tonnes (cwe).

This represents over a five-fold increase on Australia’s previously guaranteed access.

Horticulture

EU tariffs on key vegetables and fruits, including potatoes, onions, apples and pears will be eliminated.

EU tariffs on Australian tree nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and macadamias will be eliminated.

Dairy

The EU will eliminate tariffs on 87.3 per cent of dairy products.

Australian producers will have duty-free access into the EU for cheese, whole milk powder, dairy spreads and fats and oils, ice cream, yoghurt, milk and cream.

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