Australia and International Trade Law

Abstract

This chapter examines the prominent role that Australia has played in the multilateral trading system, with a specific focus on the WTO and Australia’s preferential trade agreements (PTAs). Australia has been actively involved in the WTO, through GATT and WTO negotiations, WTO committee work, WTO disputes, and WTO review of Australian trade law and policy. In WTO negotiations, Australia is a respected and active player, and has even led the way in certain areas. Australia has also been involved in a significant number of WTO disputes covering a broad range of matters, and in this context it has contributed to the development of WTO law and practice. Like many other countries, Australia has vigorously pursued the conclusion of PTAs with a range of trading partners, particularly in recent years. This has created tensions between Australia’s approach to international trade law and its interaction with domestic regulation.

Keywords: Australia, international trade law, WTO, free trade agreements

JEL Classification: K33