Media: Australia and the EU are about to sign a free trade agreement
According to U.S. ABC News, citing sources in Brussels and Canberra, Australia and the EU are in the final stage of negotiations for a free trade agreement, which may be signed in the coming weeks.
The network pointed out: "Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to sign the document after resolving the last dispute, according to sources, which involves the issue of red meat exports."
According to sources, the signing ceremony may take place in the coming weeks.
It is expected that European Commission President von der Leyen will visit Australia, not only to sign the trade agreement but also to sign a separate security partnership agreement, but the exact time of the visit has not been announced.
Negotiations between Canberra and Brussels have lasted for years, and they actually hit a deadlock in 2023. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell previously stated that if the EU does not lower tariff barriers to increase Australia's agricultural supply, including beef and lamb, the country would not sign the agreement.
The EU is Australia's third largest trading partner. After the agreement is signed, Australian companies will be able to enter the EU market, which has about 450 million people, and analysts expect this to inject new momentum into the country's GDP growth.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857263942806535/
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