The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) entered into force in December 2015. News and updated information is posted on this page.

June 2024

During an official visit to Australia by H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China (June 2024), Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li Qiang witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Further Enhancing the Implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2024-25 by the Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism and China's Minister of Commerce.

April 2024

Senior officials from Australia and China met at the Second ChAFTA Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on 16 April 2024 in Canberra. Officials welcomed the resumption of the JCM and acknowledged the size and importance of our trade relationship, facilitated by the effective implementation of ChAFTA.

The meeting reviewed the operation of the agreement since its entry into force, in 2015, in the areas of goods, services, investment, financial services, movement of natural persons, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on trade and investment priorities and agreed to a work plan for ChAFTA’s sub-committees over the next 12 months. The Parties agreed to maintain open dialogue to promote the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

March 2021

ChAFTA Post-Implementation Review: Conclusion

A post-implementation review (PIR) prepared by DFAT on the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement has been assessed by the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) as compliant with the Australian Government’s best practice regulation requirements.

The PIR concluded that ChAFTA has liberalised economic flows between China and Australia through reductions in barriers to trade; increased Australian exports of travel and other services; and increased Australian goods exports for a majority of products receiving ChAFTA tariff preferences.

The PIR can be found on the OBPR website: China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Post Implementation Review)

April 2020

ChAFTA Post-Implementation Review: Call for submissions

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) welcomes written submissions from businesses and other interested stakeholders as part of a five year Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

Read more on ChAFTA Post-Implementation Review: Call for submissions