Donald Trump hits Australian exports to US with new higher trade tariff over claims of ‘forced labour’
Summary
President Donald Trump has imposed new 12.5% tariffs on many Australian exports, citing concerns over forced labour in production. The Australian government has rejected the claim and called for the tariffs to be removed, emphasizing Australia’s strong laws against forced labour and pointing out that major exports like beef and gold are exempt.Key Facts
- The US introduced a 12.5% tariff on many Australian exports as part of a wider policy affecting 54 countries.
- The tariffs target countries accused of not sufficiently prohibiting imports made with forced labour.
- Australia’s top three exports to the US—beef, gold, and copper—are excluded from the tariff.
- Other countries facing the 12.5% tariff include Brazil, China, Japan, and Russia; some countries face a lower 10% tariff.
- These tariffs follow a Supreme Court ruling that struck down previous 10% global tariffs implemented by President Trump.
- Australia’s trade minister Don Farrell called the tariffs unjustified and inconsistent with the Australia-US free trade agreement.
- US Congresswoman Linda Sánchez criticized the tariffs as a way to bypass the Supreme Court ruling.
- The tariffs cover trade with the top 60 US partners, accounting for most US imports globally.
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