Diplomatic relations between Australia and Brazil were established in 1945. The following year, Australia opened a diplomatic office in Rio de Janeiro, its first diplomatic representation in Latin America. That same year, Brazil opened a diplomatic office in Canberra. In 1990, both nations created the Brazil-Australia Political Consultations mechanism, which gave a new impetus to bilateral relations. In June 2012, Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, paid an official visit to Brazil and met with President Dilma Rousseff. Both leaders discussed deepening of the ties and growth of the role played by the two countries in the world, and they agreed to increase relations between Australia and Brazil at the level of strategic partnership. In November 2014, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff paid a visit to Australia to attend the G20 Brisbane summit. Brazil is currently the largest source of international students in Australia outside of Asia and fifth largest globally. There are more than 110 active agreements between Australian education institutions and Brazilian governments and institutions. Through the Direct Aid Program, the Australian Government provides financial support to a range of projects in Brazil. In 2017–18, the Direct Aid Program supported projects across the following focus areas: economic empowerment, minority and gender issues, sports, arts and culture for development.
Both nations have signed several agreements such as a Trade Agreement ; Extradition Treaty ; Memorandum of Understanding in Health Cooperation ; Air Service Agreement ; Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Major Sporting Events ; Agreement on Science, Technology and Innovation ; and a Memorandum of Understanding on Water Cooperation.
Trade
In 2018, trade between Australia and Brazil totaled US$1.5 billion. Australia's main exports to Brazil include: coal; crude petroleum; nickel ores and concentrates; and aluminium. Brazil's main exports to Australia include: medicine; coffee; civil engineering equipment and parts; and personal travel services. Brazil is Australia's largest export market in Latin America by a significant margin, including in tourism, travel and education-related services, and accounts for half Australia's direct investment in the region.
Resident diplomatic missions
Australia has an embassy in Brasília and a consulate-general in São Paulo.
Brazil has an embassy in Canberra and a consulate-general in Sydney.
