US Tariffs on Australian Goods to Remain at 10%, Says Trade Minister

Trade Minister Don Farrell announced today that the U.S. will stick with a 10% tariff on Australian exports.

He pointed out that Australia’s getting a better deal than most, as the White House says no other country enjoys a lower rate. Still, Farrell’s not satisfied and wants these tariffs gone for good, leaning on the long-standing U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

This comes after President Donald Trump signed an order yesterday slapping tariffs of 10% to 41% on various countries. Australia, a key mate of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific, benefits from its solid trade ties and a surplus with the U.S. “While we remain in the best possible position under the United States’ new tariff regime, we will continue to advocate for the removal of all tariffs,” Farrell’s team shared.

• Australia Avoids Hefty U.S. Tariffs, But Trade Minister Pushes for Full Removal
• U.S. Keeps 10% Tariff on Australian Goods Amid Global Trade Shakeup
• Australia Eyes India, Middle East as U.S. Maintains Tariff on Exports

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who’s no fan of trade wars, said Australia’s looking to branch out, eyeing bigger markets in India and the Middle East. The government’s also keen to get free trade talks with the European Union back on track, especially for things like beef, which raked in A$4 billion from the U.S. last year alone.

Across the ditch, New Zealand’s dealing with a heftier 15% tariff, and their Trade Minister Todd McClay is already chatting with U.S. officials. Other neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam are copping much worse, with tariffs hitting 36% and 46%, which could spell trouble for their export-heavy economies.

Even with Australia’s decent deal, Farrell’s keeping his guard up. Global trade’s a bit rocky right now, and he’s focused on spreading Australia’s bets so it’s not too reliant on one market.

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To keep things smooth with the U.S., Australia’s playing smart, even tapping personal connections like golfer Greg Norman’s link to Trump. It’s all part of the plan to navigate this tricky trade landscape and keep Australia’s economy humming.