Why did the US government impose a 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian exports while Brent Crude prices rose?

The US government imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian goods due to allegations that supply chains failed to prevent forced labour, coinciding with Brent Crude surging to US$91 a barrel.

What are the current Australian petrol prices as Brent Crude trades at US$91 a barrel?

Average Australian capital city unleaded petrol rose 18 cents to $1.70 a litre, while Brent Crude traded at US$91 a barrel. Premium E10 petrol reached $1.75 a litre in Sydney and Perth, with higher-octane 98 premium unleaded hitting $2.25 a litre in Melbourne.

How is the Australian government responding to new US tariffs while Brent Crude remains elevated?

The Australian government stated that it will contest the tariff decision across diplomatic levels while Brent Crude continues trading at elevated levels. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the tariff justification, noting that Australia maintains strong modern slavery laws that are being strengthened further with substantial fines.

What does the August 2 deadline mean for Australian fuel tax relief as Brent Crude costs increase?

The August 2 deadline marks the planned expiration of temporary fuel tax relief, which the Australian government confirmed it will not extend despite higher Brent Crude prices. The government stated that national fuel supply levels remain stable, with more fuel stored domestically than on February 28.

How is international trade affected by US-Australia tariffs and Brent Crude supply disruptions?

The Australian government stated that US tariffs and shipping fee risks in the Strait of Hormuz threaten to raise consumer costs and disrupt global trade alongside Brent Crude price pressures.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Australia challenges 12.5% tariff imposed by US

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jul 26, 2026, 10:15 PM

· The US administration imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports over supply chain forced labour allegations.

· Energy markets reacted as Brent Crude climbed to US$91 a barrel and domestic petrol reached $2.25 a litre.

· The Australian government pledged to challenge the tariffs across diplomatic channels while refusing to extend fuel tax relief.

The United States introduced a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports, while Brent Crude rose to US$91 a barrel.

The measure targets 60 economies that the US administration claims failed to enforce sufficient prohibitions on forced labour.

"These are unjustified," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Domestically, average capital city unleaded petrol prices rose 18 cents to $1.70 a litre, with premium grades reaching $2.25 a litre in Melbourne.

The Australian government stated that existing modern slavery legislation remains robust and will be strengthened with higher penalties.

Federal leaders confirmed there are no plans to extend temporary fuel tax relief before its August 2 expiration date.