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Australia–Mexico relations refers to the bilateral relations between Australia and Mexico. Both nations are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, G-20 major economies, MIKTA, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the World Trade Organization.
Contents
History
In the beginning, diplomatic relations between Mexico and Australia were conducted via London. In the late 1930s, Mexico established an honorary consulate in Sydney; however during the outbreak of World War II, Mexico closed its consulate. Both Australian and Mexican troops fought together in Philippines Campaign during World War II to liberate the country from the Japanese. In 1960, Mexico re-opened its consulate in Sydney which led to formal diplomatic relations being established between the two nations on 14 March 1966.
In September 2011, both nations signed an Action Plan to advance the relationship in political relations, economy and trade, development cooperation, education and culture. In 2010, a bilateral air service agreement was signed between both nations. There are approximately 3,000 Mexican citizens resident in Australia.
Tourism
In 2013, approximately 77,000 Australian citizens visited Mexico for tourism. At the same time, approximately 7,300 Mexican citizens visited Australia.
State visits
Prime Ministerial visits from Australia to Mexico
Presidential visits from Mexico to Australia
Trade
In 2015, two-way trade between both nations amounted to $1.6 billion USD. Australia's exports to Mexico amounted to $598 million USD and include: aluminium, medicament's, copper ores and concentrates. Mexico's exports to Australia amounted to $1.05 billion USD and its export products include: lead ores and concentrates, telecom equipment and parts, fertilizers and passenger motor vehicles. Australia is Mexico's 24th biggest export market and Mexico is Australia's 25th biggest export market, respectively. In January 2004, a double taxation agreement was signed between both nations. Since 2012, Australia, Mexico and eight other countries have been negotiating what is known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. The trade negotiations were completed in February 2016 and has yet to enter into force.
Drug trafficking
It has been reported that the Sinaloa Cartel had operatives in Australia and were behind a number of significant cocaine hauls intercepted by Australian authorities. In 2011, the Sinaloa cartel attempted to set up an outpost in Sydney but were thwarted by a police operation. However, in 2016 it was reported that the Sinaloa cartel was responsible for 60% of the cocaine market in Australia and shipped AUD100 million worth a month.
In 2014, it was reported that "Violent Mexican cartels with links to Australian crime gangs are infiltrating the nation's illicit drug trade." The chief of the Australian Crime Commission said "Recently, we've seen the emergence of Mexican cartel activity within Australia" the Crime Commission also noted "Mexican criminals have become more prevalent as principals in the importation and supply of cocaine and associated money laundering" in Australia.
In May 2015, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned that Mexican drug cartels were targeting criminals in Australia to import ice into the country. The Office said cartels were involved in trafficking methamphetamine and were actively seeking partners in Australia.
In 2016, the Australian Federal Police reported that a "significant amount of methamphetamine coming into Australia may originate in Mexico." A report by the University of Canberra found that the cartels "have already established linkages in the Asia-Pacific and are attempting to expand these with a particular focus on penetrating the Australian market."