New US Tariffs Make It Harder for Australian Businesses

The topic is tariffs.

It is Friday, July 24, 2026, at 4:04 pm.

It is Friday, July 24, 2026, at 5:06 pm.

Australian exporters will pay 12.5% more to sell goods in the US. This is because new tariffs replaced old ones that a court stopped. The US says Australia does not stop goods made by forced labor well enough.

In short:

The US put a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports. The US says this is because Australia does not enforce laws against forced labor.

A temporary 10% tariff ended, so Australian exporters will pay 2.5% more now.

What's next?

Australia's government will keep trying to stop the tariffs.

Businesses say the new tariff will make it harder to compete and might reduce investment.

The US government confirmed the 12.5% tariff on Australian exports. They say it's because Australia does not enforce laws against forced labor.

A temporary 10% tariff on US trade partners ended. This replaced an older tariff system that a court stopped earlier.

A law center fought against Donald Trump's tariffs, knowing he might retaliate.

Legal experts think this approach will last longer.

The US is Australia's biggest two-way investment partner, with over $2 trillion invested.

Tom Wilson, a swimwear retailer, said the new tariffs are just another problem to deal with.

Tom Wilson, founder of Nashie, said the changing fees for exporting to the US make business harder.

Changing prices is a big deal, he said.

Tom Wilson is at Nashie's Brisbane headquarters.

The tariff might reduce Australian goods going to the US.

Australian businesses are worried.

Jeffrey Grosset owns Grosset Wines in South Australia.

Jeff Grosset has made wine for 37 years in the Clare Valley, known for its Riesling.

He said the local wine industry will lose its US market presence.

If the US becomes more isolated, it will hurt American consumers and Australian businesses, he said.

Disappointment reigns.

Trade Minister Don Farrell said Australia is disappointed in the US tariff decision.

The tariffs are unjustified, he said.

Australia takes modern slavery seriously, he said.

The government will argue against the tariffs, Mr. Farrell said.

The government will keep arguing for the tariffs to be removed.

Richard Marles said the government will argue against the US tariffs.

The Business Council of Australia is disappointed in the tariff decision.

The US Trade Representative's decision is based on a narrow claim, said Bran Black.

The tariffs will make it harder for Australian businesses to compete, said Bran Black.

The Business Council supports free trade and sees no basis for the tariffs.

The decision will hurt Australian businesses and jobs, said Bran Black.

More to come.

Other countries are also affected by the tariffs.

The tariffs might slow the US economy, said Westpac.

The tariffs will not change much, but they add uncertainty, said Westpac.

The tariffs will pressure US households and businesses, said Westpac.

The White House said the tariffs will start in 30 days, leaving time for negotiations.

Thomas Foods International's Jonathan Bayes thinks negotiations will happen.

The company sells meat and seafood globally and will be impacted by the tariffs.

The tariffs had a big impact on sheep meat exports, said Jonathan Bayes.

Demand for sheep meat has softened, he said.

The tariff cost will be passed on to American consumers, said Jonathan Bayes.

The 12.5% tariff will have a huge impact on sheep meat exports, said Thomas Foods International.

In uncertain economic times, people are careful with their spending, said Jonathan Bayes.

The tariffs will impact consumers and might reduce demand, said Jonathan Bayes.

See more ABC coverage.

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