European Metals Statement on the Conclusion of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement

March 2026 | 1 Avenue de Tervueren 168, 1150 Brussels, Belgium www.european-metals.eu [email protected] European Metals Statement on the conclusion of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement European Metals, the European non-ferrous metals association, notes the conclusion of the negotiations between the EU and Australia over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In a period of international uncertainty, the EU-Australia FTA is a positive signal towards a more resilient and diversified EU critical raw materials (CRM) supply chain. Australia is a resource-rich country, holding world-leading reserves and significant production of a number of critical raw materials, such as aluminium, antimony, lithium, cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel, among others. The agreement will secure EU access to those critical raw materials, increase investment opportunities and cooperation on raw materials, while upholding high sustainability provisions on responsible mining practices and resource value chain sustainability. However, it remains crucial that the FTA will safeguard the European industrial capacity and those sectors already facing unfair global competition (i.e. aluminium). Opening the EU market to large-scale, lower-cost producers in sectors such as aluminium risks weakening domestic capacity, which is supposed to be boosted under the new RESourceEU Action Plan Communication and is in line with Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) objectives. In the same way, the deal should also guarantee protection to the European metal extraction and production capacity. The EU should therefore ensure that current and future FTAs include strong and enforceable safeguards for strategic sectors, reflect differences in production costs, and preserve the competitiveness of European industries. Contact: Dr James Watson, Director General | [email protected] | +32 497 581 368 Mr Carmine CARINCI, International Trade & Responsible Supply Chain Policy Manager | [email protected] | +32 493 19 20 08 -- 1 of 2 -- March 2026 | 2 Avenue de Tervueren 168, 1150 Brussels, Belgium www.european-metals.eu [email protected] European Metals is an umbrella association representing the interests of the combined non- ferrous metals industry towards EU policy makers. We bring together the companies and associations shaping Europe’s non-ferrous metals ecosystem: from upstream mining and refining to downstream use and high-quality recycling. By connecting technical expertise with policy action, we ensure that the importance of the metals sector is recognised, valued, and that our sector’s future is secured. For more information, visit our website: https://european-metals.eu/ -- 2 of 2 --