New Delhi, April 2: The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has marked its four-year anniversary, revealing its significant impact on boosting India’s exports and strengthening trade between the two nations.
Signed on April 2, 2022, this agreement has created new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment in both countries over the past four years.
India’s exports to Australia have more than doubled, rising from $4 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21 to $8.5 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25. In the same period, total trade between the two countries reached $24.1 billion, with an 8% increase in India’s exports compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, total trade with Australia for the fiscal year 2025-26 (up to February) stood at $19.3 billion.
Under the ECTA, India has granted preferential market access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, covering 90.6% of the total trade value. Australia, in turn, has provided preferential market access for 100% of its imports from India.
Of these, 98.3% of the tariff lines were made duty-free upon implementation, while the remaining 1.7% (113 tariff lines) will be phased out over five years. As of January 1, 2026, all of India’s exports to Australia will be eligible for zero-duty entry.
The ECTA has also benefited various sectors, particularly textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural products, which have seen significant export growth. On the import side, the agreement provides India with easier access to essential raw materials like base metals, raw cotton, chemicals, fertilizers, and pulses, crucial for the country’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. This complementary trade framework strengthens supply chains and boosts domestic production.
Another significant step in bilateral cooperation was the signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products on September 24, 2025. This agreement recognizes both countries’ certification systems, reducing costs, time, and procedural redundancies in the trade of organic products. It also enhances transparency and trust in the organic sector.
The statement further emphasized that this trade agreement has established a strong foundation for relations between India and Australia, directly benefiting businesses, MSMEs, workers, and consumers.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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