Aussie firms clueless on trade deals

Some businesses are clueless about Australia's trade deals - even if they have already benefited from them.

Over 10 per cent of local companies who've used trade agreements in some way say they didn't know the pacts even existed.

And just over half of the 1237 firms surveyed in the Australian International Business Activity report were unsure if they could use the relevant agreement, while 20 per cent were aware but chose not to use it.

The data is highlighted in a new parliamentary report calling for better ways to spruik the nation's numerous trade deals to business.

Banks, accountancy and consumer finance firms are missing out, it said, recommending financial services regulators and other peak industry groups be included in the negotiation process.

It's also suggested new trade deals be independently evaluated by the Productivity Commission to increase public confidence.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade should also undertake independent modelling of a new agreement's potential benefits before and after negotiations start.

Other recommendations include creating a recognisable branding logo for exported Australian goods and services and measures to prevent Aussie products from being counterfeited.

AUSTRALIA'S FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

EXISTING:

* Australia - New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement

* Singapore - Australia Free Trade Agreement

* Thailand - Australia Free Trade Agreement

* Australia - United States Free Trade Agreement

* Australia - Chile Free Trade Agreement

* ASEAN - Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement; and

* Malaysia - Australia Free Trade Agreement

SIGNED AGREEMENTS:

* Korea (signed 8 April 2014, entered into force 12 December 2014)

* Japan (signed 8 July 2014, entered into force 15 January 2015)

* China (signed 17 June 2015, not yet entered into force)

PENDING

* Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (agreed to)