Perth, March 26: The Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to open new opportunities for Australian exporters and businesses, with most goods set to enter the EU duty-free once the agreement comes into force.
The European Union, with about 450 million consumers and a GDP of around $30 trillion, is currently Australia’s largest trading partner without a free trade agreement. Under the deal, 97.8 per cent of Australia’s goods exports will enter the EU tariff-free, while the agreement is also expected to support investment, jobs and economic growth.
The agreement will expand access for key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, services and technology, while also making it easier for Australian businesses to bid for EU government contracts and operate across member states.
Tara James, Founder and CEO of Small and Mighty Group, and Founder and Co-CEO of Nord South Partners, said the agreement could change how Australian companies approach international growth.
“The EU has historically been perceived by many Australian businesses as a market that is too complex and costly to enter as a viable growth opportunity. These perceptions have created a long-standing barrier, with the region often overlooked as being in the ‘too hard’ basket.
“The Australia–EU trade deal represents a game-changing moment for Australian business. It removes key barriers to entry, reduces costs, and opens access to EU grants, tender opportunities, and new employment pathways. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, the excuses for not entering the EU are diminishing. This is a clear window of opportunity for long-term, sustainable cross-border growth.
“For decades, Australian businesses have looked to the US as the default growth market. This deal creates a significant opportunity to rethink traditional approaches.
“At the same time, the EU has shown strong intent toward Australia as a trading partner, with investment levels that outweigh current trade returns. The demand is there and access is no longer the barrier, execution is.
“We’re seeing this play out in real time. There’s strong intent on both sides and clear upside, but unlocking it will require more than access. Trade deals open doors, but businesses still need to walk through them. That means coordinated action, trusted partnerships, and a genuine understanding of cultural and regulatory differences. This is no longer about whether Australian businesses can enter Europe, it’s whether they’re prepared to compete.
“The EU is a complex, highly regulated environment. Success won’t come from speed alone, it will come from clarity. Businesses need to be deliberate about where they play, how they position themselves, and whether they have the capability to deliver at scale.
“What’s critical now is getting ahead of the opportunity, not waiting for agreements to be fully ratified. Clear decisions, disciplined execution, and a long-term view of sustainable growth will be the key for success here.”
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