Overview
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders the talks are in the final stretch toward a free-trade agreement.
- EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell reported progress after a March 16 call, with Farrell saying he is confident a deal can be done.
- People familiar with planning say von der Leyen could travel to Australia within days to formalise the pact, though any trip or signing is not yet confirmed.
- Negotiators have largely addressed product naming issues, but access for Australian beef and other meats continues to be the central sticking point after a 2023 breakdown over quotas.
- Reporting indicates the agreement would cut tariffs on European cars, lower barriers for farm exporters, and attract investment, supporting roughly $110 billion in two-way trade.