Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell declared Tuesday that his country is “on the same page” as Canada in pursuing closer ties with the European Union.

Farrell made the comments to the Sydney Morning Herald amid Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent overtures toward Brussels. Carney has sought a “unique alliance” with the EU while ruling out full membership, following reports that Ottawa explored associate member status.

“We are on the same page,” Farrell said. “We will take great interest in what Carney does.” He added that he remains open to various arrangements with the EU but offered no specifics on Australia’s own plans.

The statements come as both nations navigate strained trade relations with the United States. Canada faces escalating tensions with Washington, while Australia contends with tariffs on exports despite its free trade agreement and security alliance with the U.S.

Farrell noted the broader global context. “The world is dividing into protectionists and free traders,” he said. “It’s indisputable that Australian prosperity of the last 50 years has all been about our engagement with the world.”

Bilateral trade between the EU and Australia reached €91 billion in goods and services in 2024, positioning the bloc as Canberra’s third-largest trading partner after China and Japan. Goods trade has expanded nearly 50 percent over the past decade. Australia and the EU completed a free trade agreement in March after eight years of talks, eliminating tariffs on most goods and improving access to critical minerals.

Canada and the EU have discussed freer movement of goods, services, and workers in strategic areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, defense, and critical minerals. Reports indicate talks could extend to joint infrastructure projects including data centers and energy facilities.

Both Australia and Canada have emphasized economic diversification and rules-based trade as middle powers seeking greater resilience. Farrell’s remarks signal alignment without committing Australia to specific new initiatives at this stage.