[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 28 (Monday, July 12, 2004)]
[Pages 1208-1209]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress Transmitting Legislation To Implement the United 
States-Australia Free Trade Agreement

July 6, 2004

To the Congress of the United States:

    I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents 
prepared by my Administration to implement the United States-Australia 
Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This Agreement adds an important dimension 
to our bilateral relationship with a steadfast ally in the global 
economic and strategic arena. This FTA will enhance the prosperity of 
the people of the United States and Australia, serve the interest of 
expanding U.S. commerce, and advance our overall national interest.
    My Administration is committed to securing a level playing field and 
creating opportunities for America's workers, farmers, and businesses. 
The United States and Australia already enjoy a strong trade 
relationship. The U.S.-Australia FTA will further open Australia's 
market for U.S. manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services, 
and will promote new growth in our bilateral trade. As soon as this FTA 
enters into force, tariffs will be eliminated on almost all manufactured 
goods traded between our countries, providing significant export 
opportunities for American manufacturers. American farmers will also 
benefit due to the elimination of tariffs on all exports of U.S. 
agricultural products.
    The U.S.-Australia FTA will also benefit small- and medium-sized 
businesses and their employees. Such firms already account for a 
significant amount of bilateral trade. The market opening resulting from 
this Agreement presents opportunities for those

[[Page 1209]]

firms looking to start or enhance participation in global trade.
    In negotiating this FTA, my Administration was guided by the 
negotiating objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002. The Agreement's 
provisions on agriculture represent a balanced response to those seeking 
improved access to Australia's markets, through immediate elimination of 
tariffs on U.S. exports and mechanisms to resolve sanitary and 
phytosanitary issues and facilitate trade between our countries, while 
recognizing the sensitive nature of some U.S. agricultural sectors and 
their possible vulnerability to increased imports.
    The U.S.-Australia FTA also reinforces the importance of creativity 
and technology to both of our economies. The Agreement includes rules 
providing for strong protection and enforcement of intellectual property 
rights, promotes the use of electronic commerce, and provides for 
increased cooperation between our agencies on addressing anticompetitive 
practices, financial services, telecommunications, and other matters.
    The Agreement memorializes our shared commitment to labor and 
environmental issues. The United States and Australia have worked in 
close cooperation on these issues in the past and will pursue this 
strategy and commitment to cooperation in bilateral and global fora in 
the future.
    With the approval of this Agreement and passage of the implementing 
legislation by the Congress, we will advance U.S. economic, security, 
and political interests, and set an example of the benefits of free 
trade and democracy for the world.
                                                George W. Bush
 The White House,
 July 6, 2004.