Australia Challenges US Tariffs Over Forced Labor Claims

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Sunday that Australia will challenge new tariffs imposed by the United States. The Trump administration introduced these measures on Friday, targeting 60 trading partners based on allegations that they failed to curb the trade of goods produced by forced labor.

Imports from Australia and 37 other nations are now subject to a 12.5% tariff. The Australian Labor government described the measures as unjustified and is seeking their immediate removal.

Albanese stated that Australia will raise the issue at every level of the bilateral relationship. He noted that Australia already maintains strong provisions against modern slavery and is currently strengthening supply chain oversight to ensure substantial fines and penalties can be applied to violators.