Fed: ACCI says FTA benefits likely to be small
Australia's peak business organisation has given a lukewarm endorsement of a free tradedeal with the United States, warning its benefits are likely to be small.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it fears the proposed free tradeagreement could also divert trade and harm relations with other major trading partnerssuch as China and New Zealand.
Australia and the US have spent all year negotiating an FTA, with both countries hopefulto sign it off by year's end.
But Australian farmers have expressed concern about America's offers to liberalisefarm trade, and there's also been concern from US growers.
The chamber says although the agreement could be one of the most important bilateraldeals ever signed by Australia, it carries risks.
It says it's vital the FTA talks don't distract Australia from World Trade Organisationtalks which would offer much larger gains.
AAP RTV sw/sb/dl/rp
KEYWORD: TRADE US (CANBERRA)
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