KN | Australia Roundtable in Konstanz

Australia is a highly developed economy, but with a population of around 27 million, it is a relatively small market. However, given its purchasing power and unique conditions, it should by no means be underestimated. Its wealth of critical minerals and rare earths makes Australia an indispensable partner for the development of new technologies and the energy transition. The Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Australia, signed in March 2026, capitalises precisely on these strengths: it provides new impetus for mineral extraction in Australia and the value chain in Europe. As ‘like-minded’ partners building on shared values and a commitment to rules-based trade, Germany and Australia have thus laid a significant foundation for the future of their trade relations.

Germany is Australia’s second most important trading partner in Europe – after the UK. A strategic partnership has been in place since 2013 and was further strengthened in 2021. There are numerous areas of common interest, particularly in the fields of critical raw materials, energy (including green hydrogen), and health and pharmaceuticals.
 

Current geopolitical developments suggest that Germany and Australia will work even more closely together in the future. These are two countries that, although separated by thousands of kilometres, could scarcely be more alike in their worldview, values and plans for the future; and that is precisely why they are such a good fit.

With over a million residents of German origin, it comes as no surprise that Germany also plays a significant role in Australia. Around 600 German companies employ some 60,000 people in Australia – a striking testament to the economic interdependence of the two countries.

Two keynote speeches followed by a discussion:

• Doing Business in Australia – new opportunities following the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement with Marko Walde, Executive Director of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce 
• Conflict resolution in international trade – the DIHK’s new arbitration court with Prof. Dr Katrin Klodt-Bußmann, Chief Executive of the Hochrhein-Bodensee Chamber of Industry and Commerce