Chamber Commends House Lawmakers on Passage of U.S./Australia Free Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today welcomed passage of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement in the House of Representatives, calling the deal a strong show of bipartisan support and another great opportunity for American competitiveness abroad. The legislation now moves to the Senate for passage.

"This vote is a win for American businesses, workers, farmers and consumers and sends a signal that the U.S. is committed to being a leader in the global marketplace," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "We urge Senate lawmakers to follow the lead of their House counterparts and swiftly bring this agreement to the floor for passage."

Australia is the ninth-largest export market for American-made goods. This trade deal immediately eliminates 99 percent of Australian tariffs on U.S.-manufactured exports, which make up the large majority of the total U.S. exports to Australia.

In addition, with the U.S. exporting more than $400 million in agricultural products to Australia annually, American farmers can expect even more opportunities and immediate duty-free access as a result of the agreement. Eliminating trade barriers will mean job growth here at home.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

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