Free Trade Agreement - Australia and Japan

Set to be implemented early 2015, the Australian Government has signed a Free Trade Agreement with Japan which will open markets, free trade and strengthen investment between Australia and Japan.

The new Free Trade Agreement (JAEPA) has been heralded as the most ambitious trade deal Japan has ever concluded and affords Australia major concessions across a range of areas which will add enormous benefit to businesses shipping to or from Japan.

Key outcome include:

• Over 97 per cent of Australia’s exports to Japan will receive preferential access or enter duty-free
• All Australia’s resources, energy and manufacturing exports will benefit from tariff-free entry
• Japanese made components used in Australian production and manufacturing will also become more affordable which will aid our competitiveness. Cheaper Japanese imports improve consumer buying power
• JAEPA gives Australian agricultural producers and exporters a significant competitive advantage, and makes Australia the first major agricultural exporting economy to conclude such a liberalising agreement with Japan

With 51% of all Australian exports heading to China, South Korea and Japan this agreement in conjuction with those already in place will see Australia's reputation as a well regarded long term supplier grow to be even more important. If you have freight heading to or from Japan talk to our team today.