Australia to Challenge US Over Forced Labour Tariff Plan, Says Albanese
Synopsis
Australia will continue challenging proposed US tariffs after the Trump administration announced duties of up to 12.5% on imports from dozens of countries over forced labour concerns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the allegations, saying Australia has robust and world-leading legislation addressing forced labour and modern slavery. The government argues the proposed tariffs are unjustified and risk undermining the global trading system. If implemented, the measures could increase costs for Australian exporters and add pressure to trade relations between Australia and the United States.
Australia hits back over claims it has failed on forced labour concerns as it continues to oppose US tariffs
Australia to Press US Over Forced Labour Tariffs
Australia will continue to push the US to rethink moves towards tariffs on some of its exports after the Trump administration signaled it wants up to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 countries, including Australia. The measures were conceived after US officials decided that the countries had not done enough to limit trade in products tied to forced labour.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the allegations, stating that Australia is protected from forced labour and modern slavery. He told ABC Radio on Thursday the laws in Australia are "robust, comprehensive and world-leading" that already meet concerns of the US.
Albanese also said the proposed tariffs were unjustified and could damage the global trading system. Australia has long opposed the latest round of US trade action and contends that its exporters shouldn't have to encounter more hurdles on petitions brought by a government it contests.
If the tariffs go ahead, they may push up costs for Australian products sold in the US. Australian officials will continue to engage with US foreign trade representatives which could limit international commerce between the two nations.
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