What has changed

The US has announced tariffs on imports from Australia and trade partners globally.

On 23 July 2026 (Washington D.C. time) the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including Australia, for allegedly failing to effectively ban imports of goods made with forced labour. This followed a Section 301 'unfair trade practices' investigation of the Trade Act of 1974.

The section 301 tariffs have been in force since 24 July (12:01 am Washington D.C. time). Subject to the exemptions listed in the Federal Register Notice, imports from Australia are subject to a tariff of 12.5 per cent, along with 37 other economies. Seventeen economies face a 10 per cent rate on the basis that they have an import ban or partial regime in place and/or have undertaken to do so in a trade agreement with the US. Five economies (including the European Union) received a 10 or 12.5 per cent tariff rate 'net' of a product's WTO most-favoured-nation rate.

Australia and nearly all other US trading partners also face a range of sectoral section 232 'national security' tariffs (see below).

On 20 February 2026, the US confirmed an extension of the suspension of the de minimis exemption for all low-value imports to the US. As a result, all goods valued at USD 800 or less remain subject to specific tariff rates.

It is important for exporters to understand the changes already introduced and to stay up to date with new announcements. Exporters should seek independent advice on these updated requirements.

Tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962

Australia and nearly all other US trading partners also face a range of section 232 'national security' tariffs, which are imposed on specific items:

• softwood lumber and buses face 10 per cent tariff
• polysilicon is subject to a minimum price, while polysilicon derivatives are subject to a 15 per cent duty in addition to a minimum price;
• autos, trucks and parts; upholstered furniture; kitchen cabinets and vanities; semi-conductors, chips and related products face 25 per cent tariff;
• steel/aluminium/certain copper products and certain derivatives face 10-50 per cent tariff;
• certain pharmaceuticals and ingredients face 100 per cent tariff; and
• unmanned aircraft systems and their components face 25-100 per cent tariff.

Ongoing investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962

The US has launched a range of section 232 'national security' investigations under the Trade Expansion Act 1962:

• wind turbines and their parts and components;
• personal protective equipment, medical consumables and medical; equipment, including devices;
• robotics and industrial machinery; and
• anthracite coal and metallurgical bituminous coal products.

Information on these investigations is available on the US Bureau of Industry and Security website.

Section 301 of theTrade Act 1974

There are no ongoing section 301 investigations covering Australia. Information on the United States' ongoing section 301 'unfair trade practices' investigations under the Trade Act of 1974 can be found at Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Implications for Australian exporters to the US

The Australian Government continues to monitor and assess the impact of US trade measures on Australian businesses exporting to the US.

Exporters should stay up to date with new announcements, including official US Government statements on refunds in relation to reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). US Customs and Border Protection commenced processing refunds for IEEPA tariffs from 20 April 2026.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) provides more targeted information and advice to Australian businesses, via its Go Global Toolkit: US tariff changes – support for Australian businesses. This includes recordings of webinars held to explain the tariff changes.

Australian exporters are encouraged to seek independent advice. Exporters may need to engage with a licensed customs broker (see Brokerages list) or contact US Customs and Border Protection with specific questions.

Help and resources

• Austrade provides assistance and information for businesses through its Go Global Toolkit: US tariff changes – support for Australian businesses
• United States of America country brief
• Trade and Investment data and publications
• US Customs and Border Protection
• Brokerages list

Exporters are also encouraged to regularly check the US Federal Register and US Customs Systems Management Service for new notices regarding the application of US tariffs on imported goods.