U.S. gains in one-sided trade deal

THE much-vaunted free trade agreement with the United States has become one-sided, with no financial benefit to Australia.

Income earned by the U.S. through imports to Australia has increased by$724 million in the first six months after the deal came into effect on January 1 this year.

But for Australia, exports to the U.S. have slumped by $123 million, or2.7 per cent.

The finding came as the Government was accused of ramping up the publicity surrounding the deal before it was signed by former trade minister Mark Vaile