House Approves U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement
The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday approved the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by a vote of 314-109. The U.S.-Australia FTA would eliminate duties on more than 99% of manufactured goods sold between the two countries.
The Senate Finance Committee yesterday also approved the U.S.-Australia FTA. The full Senate could vote on the FTA as soon as today.
Australia is the United States 14th largest export market. Australia purchased more than $13 billion of U.S. goods in 2003, including aircraft, computer accessories, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.