US Trade Move Targets Australia Over Supply Chain Standards
The United States Trade Representative has proposed imposing an additional 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Australia as part of a broad Section 301 investigation into forced labour practices. The announcement, released on 2 June 2026, places Australia among 45 economies facing the higher rate, while 15 others including the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada are slated for a 10 per cent duty.
Officials in Canberra have rejected the findings, describing Australia’s existing framework as among the strongest in the world. The development comes amid ongoing global efforts to address modern slavery in international supply chains and follows earlier US baseline tariffs of 10 per cent on many goods that took effect in 2025.
Section 301 Investigation Explained
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorises the US president to respond to foreign trade practices deemed unreasonable or discriminatory. In this instance, the USTR determined that 60 economies, including Australia, have failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
The probe examined whether such shortcomings burden or restrict US commerce. Australia was grouped with nations such as China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand for the proposed 12.5 per cent additional duty. The measure would apply on top of any existing tariffs and is intended to encourage stronger enforcement against forced labour imports.
Australia’s Modern Slavery Framework
Australia’s primary legislation in this area is the Modern Slavery Act 2018. The Act requires entities with annual consolidated revenue exceeding AUD$100 million to publish annual statements detailing risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, along with actions taken to address those risks.
Unlike some jurisdictions, the Australian law does not include an outright import ban on goods made with forced labour, nor does it impose financial penalties for non-compliance. An independent statutory review completed in 2023 found limited evidence that the reporting regime had yet driven meaningful change for people in conditions of modern slavery.
Government sources note that Australia has criminalised all forms of modern slavery and participates in international initiatives, yet critics argue the voluntary nature of reporting leaves gaps that allow high-risk goods to enter the market.
Government Response and Trade Minister Statement
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell described the US proposal as unjustified. He emphasised that Australia maintains robust, comprehensive and world-leading legislation addressing forced labour and modern slavery. Officials have signalled they will engage directly with US counterparts to clarify Australia’s position and seek resolution.
The Albanese government has previously committed to strengthening the Modern Slavery Act through improved guidance for businesses and consultation on high-risk declarations for certain regions, industries or products. No immediate legislative changes have been announced in response to the tariff proposal.
Potential Economic Impacts on Australian Exporters
A 12.5 per cent additional tariff would raise costs for Australian goods entering the US market. Key export sectors likely to feel pressure include resources such as iron ore and coal, agricultural products including beef, wine and grains, and manufactured items where supply chains intersect with global standards debates.
Business groups have warned that the measure could erode competitiveness against suppliers from countries facing lower or no additional duties. Importers in the United States may pass on higher costs to consumers or seek alternative sourcing, potentially affecting long-term contract volumes.
Broader trade data shows Australia exported goods worth tens of billions of dollars annually to the United States in recent years. Any sustained tariff increase would add to existing baseline duties and could prompt Australian firms to accelerate diversification into other markets such as the European Union, Japan and Southeast Asia.
Business and Industry Reactions
Australian industry bodies have called for calm while urging the government to pursue diplomatic and technical solutions. Representatives from mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors have highlighted existing due-diligence practices already in place to screen supply chains for labour risks.
Some companies have begun reviewing their US-bound shipments and exploring options such as enhanced traceability technologies or third-party audits. Others note that the proposal coincides with similar scrutiny faced by multiple trading partners, suggesting the issue may be addressed through multilateral dialogue rather than bilateral confrontation.
International Context and Comparable Measures
The US action forms part of a wider push to align trade policy with labour standards. Comparable frameworks exist in the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and proposed import restrictions in other jurisdictions. The USTR has indicated the tariffs aim to level the playing field for US businesses that already comply with strict domestic forced-labour prohibitions.
Countries facing the 10 per cent rate have also voiced concerns, with the European Union referencing prior tariff arrangements reached in 2025. Negotiations between Washington and affected capitals are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
Supply Chain Ethics and Consumer Considerations
The tariff proposal has renewed focus on how goods reach Australian and global markets. Consumers may ultimately face higher prices for imported products if costs are passed through supply chains, while businesses grapple with compliance upgrades.
Advocacy organisations have welcomed heightened attention to forced labour but caution that tariffs alone may not address root causes such as weak enforcement in source countries. They advocate complementary measures including mandatory human-rights due diligence for large companies.
Photo by Thiago Zanutigh on Unsplash
What Happens Next
The USTR proposal is subject to a period for public comment and potential hearings before final implementation. Australian officials have indicated they will submit detailed evidence of their legislative and enforcement efforts during this window.
Parallel discussions are underway at the World Trade Organization and through bilateral channels. Outcomes could range from full imposition of the tariffs to negotiated carve-outs or commitments to joint enforcement initiatives.
Industry analysts suggest the situation remains fluid, with the possibility of phased rollout or exemptions for certain product categories depending on diplomatic progress.
Outlook for Australia-US Trade Relations
Despite the current tension, the Australia-United States trade relationship remains underpinned by the longstanding free-trade agreement and shared strategic interests. Both governments have historically resolved trade disputes through dialogue and technical cooperation.
Longer term, the episode may accelerate domestic reforms to Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, including consideration of an import prohibition mechanism similar to those in other jurisdictions. Such changes could strengthen Australia’s negotiating position in future trade discussions.
Stakeholders across government, business and civil society continue to monitor developments closely as the June 2026 announcement moves through the US regulatory process.
