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Trade and investment

Latest on US tariffs

What has changed

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

The US has imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most imported goods from 5 April 2025. Most goods originating in Australia will be subject to this tariff on import into the US. Some goods are subject to a higher tariff rate, while others are exempt.

In addition to the 10 per cent baseline tariff, higher "reciprocal" tariff rates have been announced for many other US trading partners. Higher reciprocal tariffs are subject to a 90-day temporary suspension until 9 July 2025.

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

  • All steel and aluminium imports to the US are subject to a 25 per cent tariff. This includes certain derivative products that have steel and aluminium content. These tariffs have been imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962 due to their impact on US  national security.
  • 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.

Exemptions

The US has exempted some goods from new tariffs. Products exempted from the 10 per cent baseline tariff currently include:

  • certain energy products, coins and bullion
  • some products listed as exempt while the US conducts sector-specific investigations.

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:

  • timber and lumber articles and some derivative products
  • copper products and some derivative products
  • semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and certain derivative products (for example, smartphones and laptops)
  • select pharmaceutical products
  • certain critical minerals and derivative products
  • medium and heavy-duty trucks and related truck parts.

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

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 recent 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

White House proclamations and executive orders on tariffs

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.

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