The United States-Australia Relationship – United States Department of State

U.S.-AUSTRALIA RELATIONS

Australia is a vital ally, partner, and friend of the United States. Our two countries have maintained a steadfast relationship underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests, and cultural affinities. Economic, academic, and people-to-people ties are vibrant and strong. Our partnership promotes peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. The United States and Australia marked the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2020.

Bilateral Defense Ties

• U.S. and Australian forces have fought side-by-side for more than one hundred years, in every major conflict since World War I
• In 2022, the United States and Australia marked the 80th anniversary of several key World War II battles
• This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty
• Additional steps have been taken to pave the way for closer defense and security ties
• The United States and Australia share a strong interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea

U.S.-Australia Force Posture Agreement

1. Annual rotation of Marines to Darwin
2. Enhanced rotations of U.S. Air Force aircraft to Australia
3. Joint military exercises such as Talisman Saber

AUKUS Enhanced Security Partnership

• Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced an arrangement for Australia to acquire a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability
• AUKUS aims to provide Australia with a conventionally armed, nuclear powered submarine capability
• The partnership will develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region

U.S.-Australia Cooperation in Other Areas

• Fulbright program
• Mutual legal assistance treaty
• Tax and defense trade cooperation treaties
• Agreements on health cooperation, space, science and technology, emergency management cooperation, and social security
• Cooperative scientific activities
• Collaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. Assistance to Australia

The United States provides no development assistance to Australia but does coordinate closely on development assistance policy in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States is Australia’s most important economic partner, with U.S. trade and investment contributing seven percent of Australia’s annual economy. The United States is Australia’s largest foreign investor by far, providing much of the capital which has driven the Australian economy over the last three decades. The United States is also Australia’s third largest trading partner.

U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• FTA entered into force on January 1, 2005
• Significant increase in U.S. goods and services exports to Australia
• Total U.S. goods and services trade with Australia in 2021
• Leading U.S. goods and services exports and imports

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• Two-way FDI cumulatively totals nearly $261.5 billion
• Australia’s FDI into the United States in 2020
• Leading sectors for Australian investment into the United States
• U.S. FDI in Australia in 2020
• U.S. firms operating in Australia

Climate Transition and Private Sector Alignment

The private sector in Australia and the United States are aligned with the climate transition, with major banks and companies committing to sustainable practices.

Public Diplomacy

Australia and United States share strong people-to-people ties. U.S. government funded exchange programs between the people of the United States and the people of Australia include the Fulbright program, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), sports diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and programs to counter disinformation.

Australia’s Membership in International Organizations

Australia and the United States belong to several of the same international organizations and fora, including the United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum, APEC, G-20, IMF, OECD, World Bank, and WTO.

Bilateral Representation

Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List. Australia maintains an embassy in the United States at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Additional Information

• CIA World Factbook Australia Page
• U.S. Embassy
• History of U.S. Relations With Australia
• Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
• U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
• Travel Information

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: state.gov

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