Question: "A bilateral free trade agreement between the USA and Australia is likely to be of only marginal benefit to Australian businesses." Evaluate this statement.

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the United States of America (USA) appears to present a unique opportunity to advance the interests of Australian business. However, to what extent would free trade benefit Australia? An FTA superficially seems to offer significant benefits to Australia in terms of employment and the expansion of Australian business internationally. However, major market access barriers face Australian exporters, particularly in the agricultural sector. A free trade agreement would …

…critique, London: Zed Books, 2000 Ford, J. 2003, "US/Australian Free Trade" American International Business Newsletter (online,) http://www.stroudgate.net/aab/articles/019.html. Available (2003, May 2nd). Gamaut, R. 2002. "An Australian-United States Free Trade Agreement", Australian Journal of International Affairs; Canberra Apr 2002 56; 1 p. 123-141 (ABI/Inform) Morrison, J. 2002. "The International Business Environment." London, Great Britain. Bath Press. Snape, R. & Morgan, D. & Adams, J. "Regional Trade Agreements: Implications and Options for Australia", Canberra, AGPS. 1993.