What has changed

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

The US has imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most imported goods, effective 9 April 2025. Most goods originating in Australia are subject to this tariff on import into the US. Some goods are subject to a higher tariff rate, while others are exempt.

The US suspended the de minimis exemption for all low-value imports to the US from 29 August 2025. As a result, all goods valued at US$800 or less are subject to country-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.

Goods subject to higher tariffs

• Australian steel and aluminium imports to the US are subject to a 50 per cent tariff. The tariff includes certain derivative products that have steel and aluminium content. These tariffs have been imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962 on US national security grounds.
• Automobiles, light trucks and certain automotive parts are subject to a 25 per cent tariff.  These tariffs are also imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962.
• Some copper and copper-containing products are subject to a 50 per tariff. This tariff has been imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962.
• Certain upholstered wooden products, kitchen cabinets and vanities are subject to a 25 per cent tariff from 14 October 2025. Softwood timber and lumber is subject to a 10 per cent tariff rate also from 14 October 2025. These rates are scheduled to increase on 1 January 2026.

Investigations

The US has launched investigations under the Trade Expansion Act 1962 to assess the effect of the import of the following goods on US national security:

• semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and certain derivative products (for example, smartphones and laptops)
• pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, and derivative products
• certain critical minerals and derivative products
• medium and heavy-duty trucks and related truck parts
• aircraft, jet engines and parts
• polysilicon and derivatives
• unmanned aircraft systems and their parts and components.
• wind turbines and their parts and components.
• personal protective equipment, medical consumables and medical equipment, including devices
• robotics and industrial machinery.

Information on these investigations, including how to make a submission and submission periods for each investigation, is available on the US Federal Register.

Implications for Australian exporters to the US

The Australian government is working to analyse the impacts of these announced US trade measures on Australian trade, in particular for Australian exporters to the US. The impacts are likely to vary by sector and will affect individual exporters in different ways.

Australian exporters should be aware that higher tariffs imposed on some countries may impact tariff rates for Australian businesses whose goods are manufactured elsewhere.

Exporters should stay up to date with new announcements.

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.

Australia's economy is resilient and supported by a global framework of free-trade agreements with major Australian trading partners.

Australia has a Free Trade Agreement with the United States and continues to advocate for maintaining open trade. The US pays no tariffs for exports to Australia under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Help and resources

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