28 July 2026
NSW Farmers has expressed surprise and deep disappointment at the announcement from the United States Trade Representative of an increase in tariffs on some of Australia’s products going into the United States.
The United States’ decision imposes a new 12.5 per cent tariff on Australian exports, replacing the existing 10 per cent tariff that was scheduled to expire today.
NSW Farmers President Rebecca Reardon decried the announcement.
“We do not believe there is any justification at all for this decision. The argument put forward by the US in relation to Australian labour conditions does not hold as Australia actually has some of the strongest labour protections in the world.”
“Our country maintains a highly regulated labour market including national minimum wages; modern Awards covering minimum pay and conditions; and strong anti-discrimination and workplace rights protections. These regulations generally increase labour costs rather than suppress them, making it difficult to argue that Australia gains an unfair trade advantage through worker exploitation,” said Ms Reardon.
According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index published by Walk Free, Australia had the strongest government response to modern slavery in the Asia Pacific region, and the equal second strongest response globally.
A long-standing and mutually beneficial agricultural and economic partnership is underpinned by the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, which provides for zero tariffs on two-way trade.
“This increased barrier is a retrograde step, as opposed to moving back to the free and fair, trading arrangements that have served both our countries well for two decades. However, we are relieved that some major exports like beef remain exempt.”
“We believe this impost is completely unjustified, and we will continue advocate for the government to work with the United States Trade Representative to remove all tariffs on Australian goods,” Ms Reardon said.
