EU reports on recent progress in free trade negotiations with Australia

The ninth round of negotiations for an EU-Australia trade agreement was held virtually

The European Commission reports that the ninth round of negotiations towards the European Union (EU) – Australia trade agreement was held virtually from 30 November to 11 December 2020.

Commission officials say negotiators discussed and progressed in most areas of the future agreement, such as technical barriers to trade, sustainable development, goods, public procurement, rules of origin, subsidies, intellectual property rights and geographical indications.

On the Trade in Goods chapter the two sides further discussed the market access offers for goods based on the exchange that had taken place in a previous round. They also discussed open provisions of the consolidated text as regards export licensing procedures, origin marking, and non-tariff measures.

On Customs and Trade Facilitation, negotiators discussed all outstanding articles in the chapter in a constructive manner. Good progress continued to be made, and the article on customs cooperation was agreed in principle.

Where possible, negotiators agreed in principle on text parts that were acceptable to both sides. The chapter on Good Regulatory Practices was provisionally concluded during the round. A number of follow-up actions were decided ahead of the 10th negotiation round which is provisionally scheduled for March 2021.

Canada has separate trade agreements in force with the two parties. With the EU through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and with Australia through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.