Australia looks to lessen reliance on China, with UK free trade talks to commence

Free trade talks with the United Kingdom will officially begin later this month, as Australia desperately seeks closer relationships with nations beyond China.

Key points: Australia hopes to be among the first countries to secure a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK Negotiations could be completed by the end of the year Australia's trade relationship with China has suffered in recent months Trade Minister Simon Birmingham announced the official start of the talks, which come after years of preliminary manoeuvring between the countries.​

Senator Birmingham has long hoped Australia would be among the first countries to secure a trade deal with the UK, but had to wait for Brexit before official negotiations could begin.

The Government hopes it could finalise a deal within the year, which would be much faster than the years typically taken to reach an agreement.​

Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-17/uk-free-trade-agreement-talks-to-begin-next-month/12363956