U.S. Plans 12.5% Tariff on Australian Goods Over Forced-Labor Allegations
Updated
Updated · ABC News · Jun 4
U.S. Plans 12.5% Tariff on Australian Goods Over Forced-Labor Allegations
3 articles · Updated · ABC News · Jun 4
Summary
A 12.5% U.S. tariff on Australian goods is being prepared after Washington alleged Australia failed to act against slavery and forced labor.
Anthony Albanese called any such tariff unjustified and inconsistent with the free-trade agreement between the two allies, framing the dispute as an ideological clash with the Trump administration.
The proposed measure opens a new trade rift between close security partners, with Canberra rejecting the basis for the penalty rather than signaling concessions.
Former ambassador Joe Hockey said Trump believes tariffs benefit the United States, underscoring that the move fits a broader protectionist approach rather than a narrow bilateral complaint.