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Trump Slaps 10-12.5% Tariffs on Australia, Calls Forced-Labour Enforcement Failure

7/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 10% and 12.5% tariffs on more than 80 countries, including Australia, effective 24 July 2026, citing forced-labour enforcement failures.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell called the tariffs unjustified, said beef, gold and copper are exempt, and demanded removal.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the action makes no sense but affirmed anti-forced-labour laws.

History

Historical Context

Trump’s March 2018 Section 301 memo ordered a 25 % tariff on $50 billion of Chinese goods, sparking the first U.S.–China trade war and prompting a 7 % jump in WTO disputes and EU retaliation on $3 billion of U.S. exports. Today Washington cites that precedent, applying forced-labour duties to Australian beef, gold and copper, signaling a broader use of punitive tariffs.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 10% and 12.5% tariffs on more than 80 countries, including Australia, effective 24 July 2026, citing forced-labour enforcement failures.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell called the tariffs unjustified, said beef, gold and copper are exempt, and demanded removal.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the action makes no sense but affirmed anti-forced-labour laws.

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