Continued Progress on AUKUS Defense Trade Integration

AUKUS partners are making significant strides toward creating an innovative ecosystem that supports our shared interests and deepens our defense and security cooperation. Trilateral partners are increasing engagement with industry, including through forums like the Sea-Air-Space global maritime exposition, individual consultations, and more. Yesterday, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an “interim final rule significantly reducing licensing requirements for Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) to foster defense trade and technological innovation.” The partners welcomed the passage of the FY24 U.S National Defense Authorization Act, and legislation passed in the Australian and UK parliaments. All three AUKUS partners remain committed to implementation of novel trade critical to the success of AUKUS.

Exemptions in our export control systems, within a framework of shared standards with Australia and the UK, are key to harnessing and maximizing the innovative power residing in our defense industrial bases. Industry, research communities, and academic institutions should take full advantage of this innovation spurring ecosystem. All three nations are committed to working with our private sectors and research communities – those who will use these exemptions – to ensure the exemptions, taken together, support the goals of all three governments and our shared interests. We look forward to robust engagement and consultation with stakeholders soon, after trilateral partners publish their reciprocal arrangements for public comment.

The strength of the AUKUS partnership is rooted in the strength of our historic ties. We applaud the significant progress made to date on defense trade cooperation across our respective countries in such a short time. We fully expect to finalize the new trade exemptions – based on stakeholder input – over the course of the next 120 days.