US imposes 12.5% tariff on Australia

• The US government has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian imports following a federal trade investigation.
• The new trade measures will take effect immediately as temporary 10% worldwide levies expire on July 24.
• US officials cited alleged enforcement issues regarding forced labour, though the Australian government disputes the claims.

The US administration has imposed a 12.5% import tariff on Australian products following a Section 301 trade investigation.

The new trade levies replace temporary 10% tariffs set to expire at 12:01am on July 24.

“The trade representative has determined to impose 12.5% tariffs,” said United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The policy imposes tariffs of 10% to 12.5% across 60 nations covering 99% of imports.

Following the announcement, the S&P/ASX 200 share price index was unchanged at 7,800 points.

US officials claimed the selected nations inadequately enforced statutory bans on products made with forced labour.

The Australian government lodged a formal objection disputing claims that forced labour goods entered its supply chains.