17 December 2021
Jersey has been included in the UK's new trade deal with Australia, following the signing of the Agreement this evening.
Following on from the high-level Agreement in Principle (AIP) announced between the two countries in June, the UK and Australia have today formally signed the Free Trade Agreement. This represents the UK's first entirely new agreement as an independent trading nation following their departure from the European Union in December 2020.
Jersey is included within the Trade deal for goods-related chapters from day one. The FTA also includes explicit provision for other chapters in the agreement – such as services – to be extended to the Island in the future. This is supported by an exchange of letters between Australia and the UK, confirming future extension as soon as is practicable. This arrangement aligns with the Island's participation in other FTAs to date and supports our obligations under the Jersey-UK Customs Arrangement. Jersey's inclusion in this agreement accords with the principles endorsed by the States Assembly for FTA participation on 25 November 2021.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, commented:
"We welcome the news today that the UK has signed a Free Trade Agreement with Australia. It's a deal which includes Jersey for goods and has provision to be extended to us in other sectors as well if we wish.
"This is a really positive outcome for Jersey, providing more opportunities for our local economy to access new markets and increase our presence and visibility on the international stage. The option to extend other chapters of the agreement - such as services and digital - is positive and I am particularly pleased that both Parties have published a joint statement committing to pursuing this with us.
"I would like to thank all parties for their determination and hard work throughout these negotiations and ensuring Jersey's interests are represented. Jersey has strong cultural, social and heritage links with Australia, including a noticeable diaspora living there and hundreds of Australians who call Jersey their home.
"We look forward to building on this agreement and securing further inclusion in other FTA's should it be in our best interests to do so".
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