Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Aust eyeing free trade post-Brexit: Ciobo

Federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo says Australia will be waiting to strike a free trade agreement with the UK after it leaves the European Union.

File image of Australian Trade Minister Steve Ciobo.
Trade Minister Steven Ciobo has told the UK Australia is ready to step in as it walks out on Europe. (AAP)

Federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo has told London that Australia will be there waiting for the United Kingdom as it walks out the door on Europe.

In a speech to a leadership forum in London on Wednesday, Mr Ciobo said the effects of Brexit would be felt in Australia and argued the need for a free trade agreement between the two nations.

"There is no doubt that any shift in the tectonic plates of British economic activity will flow on to influence Australia in very real ways," Mr Ciobo told Lancaster House.

"My message today is loud and clear: when Britain is ready, Australia is keen."

In a speech that described Brexit as "a bit of a headache," Mr Ciobo said it also presented an opportunity for Australia and the UK.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"As Britain steps forward into this next stage, I can assure you that Australia stands ready, our ambitions set high," he said.

"We look forward to the next regeneration of the British vision, and we look forward to continuing as the strongest of economic partners in the years ahead."

Mr Ciobo pointed to Australia's renewable energy sector as one pillar in what could support a "truly modern trading relationship".

"Australia stands ready to power the world's coming new energy revolution," he said.

"We welcome the support of London, one of the centres of mining finance, to bring it to fruition."

Mr Ciobo said Australia hoped to see the UK and Europe settle on a "top quality trade agreement".

"Settling for anything less than that would send an entirely wrong message out to an international trading framework that is already vulnerable to attack."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world