Australia and India are deepening their economic footprints in the Middle East through newly signed and finalized Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). On July 2, 2026, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally signed a CEPA, representing Australia’s first bilateral trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, India and Oman have finalized the terms of their own CEPA, according to The Economic Times, signaling a broader shift toward stronger trade corridors between the Indo-Pacific and the Gulf region.
Under the agreement between Australia and the UAE, tariffs will be eliminated on more than 99% of Australian exports, which represents billions of dollars in trade value, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Key sectors in Australia set to benefit from this tariff elimination include agriculture—particularly beef and sheep meat—as well as alumina, coal, and dairy. Additionally, the agreement establishes a structured framework designed to facilitate two-way investment, with a particular focus on renewable energy and critical minerals.
The signing of the Australia-UAE CEPA is expected to lower trade barriers, creating new opportunities for exporters on both sides. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the removal of tariffs on key commodities will provide a competitive edge to Australian agricultural producers. Furthermore, the investment framework established under the pact is designed to channel capital into critical sectors, including joint ventures in renewable energy technologies and the exploration and processing of critical minerals, which are increasingly vital for the global transition to clean energy.
In a parallel development in the Gulf, India and Oman finalized the text for their CEPA on July 1, 2026, to boost bilateral trade. According to The Economic Times and Reuters, the agreement will see Oman reducing import duties on various Indian goods, including petrochemicals, textiles, gems, and jewelry. In return, India will provide preferential market access to Omani exports, such as petroleum products, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals. This pact is expected to strengthen India’s strategic and economic footprint in the Gulf region.
These agreements highlight a growing trend of bilateral trade deals aimed at securing supply chains and expanding market access in key sectors like energy, agriculture, and industrial goods. For Australia, the UAE serves as a gateway to the wider Middle East, while India’s deal with Oman secures vital energy and chemical inputs. Both agreements reflect a strategic effort by these nations to diversify trade partnerships and foster long-term investment in critical sectors.
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