Published on: 2026-07-24
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Canberra, July 24 /Xinhua/ — The new tariffs being imposed by the United States in connection with the fight against forced labor “make no sense.” This was stated on Friday by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
He stated on the air of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation /ABC/ radio that the federal government is disappointed with the decision of the Donald Trump administration to impose this tariff.
A new levy will be introduced from Friday at rates of 10 and 12.5 percent on imported goods from 60 countries accused by the US of insufficient action against forced labor, replacing the expiring temporary 10-percent tariff. Exports from Australia to the US will be taxed at the higher rate of 12.5 percent.
“From our point of view, this really doesn’t make sense,” said R. Marles. “We continue to demonstrate this to the D. Trump administration both from the perspective of trade and our position regarding forced labor.”
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said in his statement that the tariffs are unjustified, contradict the free trade agreement between Australia and the USA, and must be revoked.
“Australia’s measures to combat forced labor and modern slavery are among the strictest in the world, and our leading role in this area is recognized globally, including in the United States,” said D. Farrell.
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