Policy & Engagement

In recent years we have seen unprecedented debate concerning the legitimacy of trade agreements, widespread concern about the potential effects of globalisation and a dangerous resurgence of protectionism which has the potential to profoundly impact economic development and trade arrangements throughout the world. 

Today, more than ever, universities have a critical role to play in supporting the pursuit of effective, transparent and responsible trade policy which is both responsive to economic challenges and enables countries to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the global economy. 

The Institute for International Trade works closely with our partners to develop and maintain a deep dialogue with government, business, civil society and the wider public.

Analysis and IIT news

The Long and Twisting Road to a Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union

WORKING PAPER 20 This working paper explores the complex historical and economic relationship between Australia and the European Union (EU), focusing on the challenges in establishing a modern bilateral trade agreement. Although Australia and the EU have shared views on advancing global trade law beyond outdated WTO standards, formal trade negotiations only began in 2017, with several setbacks, including a major collapse in 2021. The paper traces key reasons for this friction, including Australia's strong historical ties with the UK, fluctuating relations with France, and limited engagement from other EU member states. Despite the convergence in trade policies and increased economic ties, factors such as disputes over agricultural access, the geopolitical implications of alliances like AUKUS, and sensitive issues around geographical indicators (e.g., Prosecco and feta) continue to stall progress. This paper underscores that while a trade agreement could yield mutual economic benefits, overcoming entrenched interests and political complexities will be essential for future collaboration.

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How is the ‘Business of Climate’ impacting the ‘Climate of Business’?

WORKING PAPER 19: The European Union’s Green Deal introduces the Deforestation Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to ensure sustainable supply chains. These regulations pose challenges for exporters from Emerging Asia, especially smallholder producers, due to strict compliance and documentation requirements. Countries like Indonesia, India, and Malaysia are concerned about the economic burden and trade barriers these rules impose. While certification alignment could ease compliance, high costs remain a barrier. For a smooth transition, the EU needs to improve support mechanisms and foster greater collaboration with affected trading partners

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Indonesia’s Trade Policy Regime amidst Global Challenges

POLICY BRIEF No. 28 – Dr Harry Wardana is an Economist at the Institute for International Trade, University of Adelaide. Indonesia's trade policy is currently shaped by a fragmented global trade environment marked by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. As an emerging economy in ASEAN, Indonesia faces significant challenges, particularly in managing the impacts of global inflation, commodity price volatility, and interest rate hikes. Despite these challenges, Indonesia has maintained steady economic growth, driven by strong fiscal and monetary policy coordination, robust domestic demand, and a positive current account balance. Looking forward, the new government led by Prabowo Subianto must navigate these global risks and chart a strategic path that fosters economic resilience and sustainable growth while maintaining Indonesia's neutral stance in regional geopolitical dynamics. 

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Implications of the EUDR on global palm oil supply chains

WORKING PAPER 18: From December 2024, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will require palm oil to come from sources not linked to deforestation. This creates challenges for suppliers, especially small ones, due to strict tracking and compliance rules. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are concerned about these challenges. However, aligning with certification schemes like Malaysia's MSPO may help gain EU approval. The EUDR also classifies countries by deforestation risk, making it easier for low-risk nations to comply. For a smooth shift to deforestation-free trade, it's important to extend timelines, support small suppliers, and use local initiatives.

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The Impact of Due Diligence Legislation on International Trade and Business: An Analysis of Potential Trade-Offs

WORKING PAPER 17: As countries increasingly adopt due diligence legislation to promote human rights, labor standards, and environmental sustainability in global value chains, a complex dilemma arises. While these laws commendably aim to address moral and political issues in international trade, they may also impose significant costs on companies, potentially disincentivizing investment and trade. This study examines the impact of due diligence laws on international trade and business, analyzing some 60 cases. 

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Mapping networks of export credit for fossil and clean energy infrastructure

WORKING PAPER 16: Official Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) are pivotal in the global energy sector, investing billions annually in fossil fuel projects. They could significantly boost the energy transition by reducing risks in large projects and supporting climate finance goals. Our working paper analyzes ECA financing in Asia-Pacific, highlighting integrated fossil fuel lending across diverse nations without clear geopolitical divides, unlike the fragmented clean energy network dominated by a "China vs. the rest" pattern. To enhance ECAs' climate contributions, the study suggests ending fossil fuel financing, easing clean energy project requirements, increasing renewable energy funding, and expanding ECAs' roles via blended finance. The IEA stresses ECAs are crucial for achieving net zero by 2050.

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23

Jul

A Survey of Australians’ Attitudes to Trade with the European Union

The re-election of EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen offers the prospect for restarting trade talks between Australia and the EU. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the results of our recently commissioned survey of Australians’ attitudes towards the European Union, and the delayed free trade agreement in particular. Overall, Australians strongly support the EU and the FTA. These results, and many other interesting findings that reinforce Australia’s growing partnership with the EU, are available here. Click "read more" to read the full report and results.

28

Jun

Book Launch: Export Restrictions and Export Controls, with focus on the US-China Semiconductor War.

The Institute for International Trade invites you to a book launch "Export Restriction &  Export Controls, with focus on the US-China Semiconductor War". Thursday 4 July, 2024 at 12:1pm. Guest speaker and author, Associate Professor Umair Hafeez Ghori, Faculty of Law, Bond University. Moderator: Professor Peter Draper, Executive Director, Institute for International Trade.
This is an in person event, register now to secure your place ! 

27

May

International Trade and Sustainable Development: The Future of Climate and Biodiversity Governance

POLICY BRIEF No.26 - Dr. Tracey Dodd, Prof. Johanna Kujala, Dr. Riikka Tapaninaho, Dr. Annika Blomberg, Dr. Anna Hannula, Heta Leinonen, and Filippe Delarissa Barros. History shows that existing approaches to international treaties, like the Paris Agreement, have not yet delivered adequate action to avoid catastrophic climate change by the turn of the century. A new approach to climate and biodiversity governance is therefore needed. Specifically, one that can consider tensions brewing across the principles of national interests and trade liberalism, and the critical issue of sustainable development that can ensure global economic stability and continued productive trade between nations.

22

May

The Value of Cross-border Digital Transmissions to MSMEs in Indonesia: Implications for Participation in the WTO E-commerce Moratorium

WORKING PAPER 15: Cross-border digital transmissions are crucial components of the global trading system. Currently, WTO members do not impose custom duties on inward flows, in-keeping with the WTO’s temporary moratorium. However, it is likely this moratorium will expire, and key members may move to impose taxes in the future. As our latest Working Paper attests, in Indonesia’s case this would amount to significant self-harm.

22

Apr

Carbon Border Tax: How the CBAM could hold great potential for Australian Business

WORKING PAPER 14: Soon the Australian government’s Carbon Leakage review will recommend whether the country should adopt a border carbon tax, or not. In our latest Working Paper Dr Susan Stone sets out her reasoning for why we should.

14

Mar

Trade Policy Decoded - Episode 11: MC13 and the Future of Rules Based Trade

In Episode 11 of Trade Policy Decoded, Pru and Peter discuss the outcomes of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation held in Abu Dhabi from 26 Feb to 1 March 2024. The podcast delves into the reasons for the few positive outcomes and the increasing challenges to the multilateral system. This includes the possibility of the US withdrawing from the WTO under a potential second Trump Administration. Will plurilaterals save the day?

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