India to Get Full Duty-Free Access to Australia from Jan 1
All Indian exports will receive complete duty-free access to the Australian market starting January 1, marking the final phase of tariff elimination under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. With this step, Australia will remove customs duties on the remaining tariff lines, extending zero-duty treatment to 100 percent of Indian goods covered under the pact.
What Changes from January 1
When the trade agreement came into force in December 2022, Australia had already eliminated duties on a large majority of Indian exports. The remaining items were placed on a phased schedule, with tariffs set to be fully removed by January 2026. From January 1, all Indian exports entering Australia will benefit from duty-free access, completing the transition period agreed by both sides.
Sectors Expected to Benefit
The move is expected to boost Indian exports across a wide range of sectors, including textiles and apparel, chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, and petroleum products. Agricultural and food exports such as spices, marine products, fruits, and processed foods are also expected to gain from improved price competitiveness. Exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises, are likely to benefit from lower entry barriers and expanded market access.
Trade and Economic Impact
Officials said the agreement has already helped increase bilateral trade and improve supply chain linkages between the two countries. With full duty-free access now in place, exporters are expected to scale up shipments and diversify product offerings. The development is also seen as strengthening India’s broader trade engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
