Australia Rejects 12.5% US Forced-Labor Tariff Threat as 2005 Trade Pact Faces Strain
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Australia Rejects 12.5% US Forced-Labor Tariff Threat as 2005 Trade Pact Faces Strain
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Summary
Australia is pushing back against a proposed 12.5% U.S. tariff after Washington placed it on a list of countries alleged to use forced labor in supply chains.
The U.S. Trade Representative is using that allegation as the basis for the tariff, creating a new trade dispute despite a free-trade agreement that has been in force since 2005.
Seattle port interests have highlighted Australia’s importance during the World Cup, with the Northwest Seaport Alliance and ILWU Local 19 displaying Australian flags near Lumen Field.
Australia ranks as the Port of Seattle’s 14th-largest source of container volume but carries outsized value, with meat, minerals, gold and pharmaceuticals among key exports to the United States.