The conclusion of the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a major boost for Australia's minerals sector - especially critical minerals supply - and the resilience and security of global supply chains.
The leadership of the Albanese Government, in particular Minister for Trade the Hon. Don Farrell, has delivered this important agreement which concludes many years of work to advance Australia's trade interests.
The agreement reinforces the Australia-EU Strategic Partnership on Critical Minerals by establishing a clear, rules‑based framework that underpins market access, strategic partnerships and long‑term cooperation across the full minerals value chain.
Commenting during Minerals Week 2026 in Canberra, MCA CEO Tania Constable said removing all tariffs on resources and critical minerals strengthens Australia's competitiveness and supports predictable, open trade with a key strategic partner.
Together, the FTA and the strategic partnership position Australia as a reliable, long‑term supplier of the minerals essential to energy systems, defence technologies, advanced manufacturing and broader industrial resilience.
The agreement improves market access for Australian miners, enhances investment certainty and provides a strong platform for increased EU investment into Australian mining projects, downstream processing and critical minerals supply chains.
These settings support value‑adding opportunities in minerals including lithium, rare earths, antimony, nickel, cobalt, copper and uranium.
Mutual recognition of qualifications, professional services and specialist expertise will strengthen industrial capability by improving workforce mobility so critical engineering, technical and professional skills can be deployed more efficiently across mining, processing, manufacturing and defence‑adjacent sectors.
Importantly, the FTA recognises and supports the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, local communities and strong social licence as foundations for reliable, long‑term resource development.
This reinforces Australia's commitment to high environmental, social and governance standards and to ensuring mining delivers enduring benefits for communities.
Robust intellectual property protections and technology frameworks within the agreement provide confidence for innovation, collaboration and secure technology sharing across critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and defence‑relevant supply chains.
Critically, the FTA supports more secure and diversified supply chains linking Australia with the EU, Japan and other like‑minded partners. By reducing trade barriers and improving regulatory certainty, the agreement helps address vulnerabilities in global supply chains and reduces reliance on concentrated or higher‑risk sources of supply.
This agreement also strengthens the central role of Australia's minerals sector in supporting energy security, defence capability and economic growth across ASEAN, the Indo‑Pacific and Europe, positioning Australia as a cornerstone partner in secure, trusted and resilient critical minerals supply chains.
The MCA will continue working with governments and international partners to ensure the agreement delivers practical outcomes for the resources sector and reinforces Australia's reputation as a trusted partner and secure supplier.
