Australia Slams 15% U.S. Tariff as "Unfair... We Will Keep Working to Eliminate It"

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that reciprocal tariffs are illegal, President Donald Trump has declared the imposition of a 15% global tariff, prompting a strong backlash from the Australian government. The Australian side has labeled this measure an "unfair tariff" and announced that it is reviewing all possible response options.

Trump Donald, President of the United States, is seen clenching his fist after delivering a special leaders' address at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit held at the Gyeongbuk Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29 last year. The photo is unrelated to the article. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

According to Bloomberg News and Australian outlet News.com on the 23rd (local time), Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said in a statement the previous day, "We have consistently opposed these unfair tariffs," adding, "We are working closely with the Australian Embassy in Washington to review all possible response options."

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Trump on countries around the world, based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were illegal.

News.com estimated that, due to this illegality ruling, more than 1.4 billion dollars (about 2.02 trillion won) in tariffs levied on Australian products exported to the United States since April last year could be refunded. Australian exporters of industrial machinery, medical devices, beef, and dairy products have suffered significant damage from the U.S. reciprocal tariffs.

However, President Trump has said he will maintain his tariff policy through alternative means, signing an executive order imposing a "10% global tariff" on the entire world under Section 122 of the Trade Act. He then announced that he would raise the global tariff rate to 15%, and additional executive orders and follow-up measures are expected to follow.

The 15% global tariff is expected to apply to 24 billion dollars (about 34.6 trillion won) worth of goods exported from Australia to the United States.

Minister Farrell stated that "Australia believes in free and fair trade" and that the country will continue working to eliminate U.S. tariffs.

Opposition senators have also lined up to criticize the United States for its plan to impose new tariffs. Liberal Party Senator James Paterson said in an interview with Sky News Australia that the 15% U.S. global tariff is "a measure that runs counter to the spirit of the free trade agreement (FTA) and friendship between the two countries." Green Party Senator David Shoebridge likewise wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "President Trump has increased the tariffs he is imposing on Australia," adding, "In his worldview, we are nothing but insignificant." He continued, "It is time to stop the hypocrisy. We are neither friends nor allies."