Australia has entered a transformative chapter in its global trade network. On 1 October 2025, the Australia–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially came into force — marking the nation’s first-ever free trade pact with a Middle Eastern partner. This landmark agreement removes tariffs on more than 99% of Australian exports and unlocks expanded access across sectors including agriculture, logistics, clean energy, education, and professional services.
In 2024, Australia exported approximately US $3.6 billion worth of goods to the UAE — led by chemicals, red meat, grains, and mineral products. With CEPA now active, bilateral trade is forecast to rise by A$678 million annually, propelling total two-way trade beyond A$10 billion by 2032. For Australian exporters, this means enhanced price competitiveness, simplified customs processes, and faster access to one of the world’s most advanced logistics hubs — Jebel Ali Port.
High-potential sectors include agriculture, meat, grains, dairy, and mineral exports, underpinned by the UAE’s growing demand for food security and industrial inputs. The UAE’s strategic position as a regional re-export hub allows Australian products to move seamlessly into Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and East Africa, extending their market reach far beyond the Gulf. For importers, CEPA translates to lower landed costs and streamlined entry for UAE-made goods such as plastics, machinery, and consumer products.
From a logistics perspective, the agreement signals significant growth for the freight forwarding community. Rising volumes will spur demand for FCL and LCL exports, temperature-controlled reefer logistics, and bonded warehousing across key Australian ports including Melbourne, Fremantle, Sydney, and Brisbane. Leading carriers such as MSC, CMA CGM, and ONE already connect Australia to UAE ports, ensuring strong schedule integrity and service flexibility.
Beyond the immediate trade benefits, CEPA represents a broader strategic opportunity for Australia to diversify beyond its traditional Asian markets. The UAE offers a launchpad into a fast-growing economic corridor spanning the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With reduced tariffs, regulatory transparency, and robust logistics infrastructure, the partnership positions Australian exporters to strengthen supply chain resilience and tap into new consumer bases.
At Flying Fox Solutions, we’re ready to help Australian exporters and importers capitalize on this milestone agreement. From competitive rate negotiation and documentation to cold-chain handling and customs clearance, our team ensures seamless movement of cargo across every stage of the supply chain. The Australia–UAE CEPA is now in effect — and the opportunity for growth has never been clearer.
Sources: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement enters into force (1 Oct 2025); Austrade (2025), UAE Free Trade Agreement – Exporter Factsheet; Minister for Trade and Tourism ( Don Farrell ), Media Release: A $678 Million Boost to Australian Exports (2025); Trading Economics (2024), Australia Exports to United Arab Emirates; AGBI News (2024), Australia and UAE Target $10 Billion Trade by 2032.
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed.