The focus of this inquiry was to understand whether there is a need for Australia to diversify its trade markets and foreign investment profile including:

• To consider if Australia is too reliant on any one market for exports. If so, what factors are contributing to this dominance;
• The advantages and disadvantages, including in relation to the national interest and national economic risk, to an over reliance on any one market;
• The impact of global crises including trade disputes and political disputes on Australia’s relationship with countries we are reliant upon for trade and investment purposes;
• The impact of bilateral trade agreements on Australia’s domestic market and whether they contribute to an over reliance on foreign investment.

Report structure:

• Chapter 2 examines the level of diversity in Australia’s export markets, and the range of goods and services that it exports.
• Chapter 3 looks at the opportunities and challenges of diversifying Australia’s export profile, and suggests possible pathways towards diversification.
• Chapter 4 provides an overview of foreign investment in Australia, the associated advantages, disadvantages and concerns related to this investment, and options for improvement to Australia’s investment mix.