Australia, European Union Sign New Free Trade and Defence Deal

The deal means 98 percent of the current value of Australia’s exports entering the European Union will be duty free.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on March 24, 2026. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images3/23/2026|Updated: 3/24/2026Australia and the European Union (EU) have signed a new agreement that means 98 percent of exports sent to the 27 member countries—a market of around 450 million people—will not be subject to import duties.The announcement comes amid a visit to Australia by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.