UK, Australia seal trade deal in post-Brexit boost for Boris Johnson

The agreement marks the first deal with a major ally that goes beyond rolling over a pre-existing EU trade relationship.

The U.K. and Australia struck a new free-trade agreement as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeks to expand commercial ties with countries around the world after Brexit.

The main elements of the pact were finalized at a dinner between Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday night, 10 Downing Street said in a statement. A final agreement in principle will be published in the coming days, the U.K. government said.

“Today marks a new dawn in the U.K.’s relationship with Australia,” Johnson said. “Our new free-trade agreement opens fantastic opportunities for British businesses and consumers.”

The Australia deal