Things just got awkward between mates. The US is pointing the finger at Australia — and a bunch of other countries — and slapping a potential 12.5% tariff on the table.

So, here’s the latest from across the Pacific, according to cbinews.tv. Australia might be copping a fresh 12.5% tariff from the US, and it’s all because the Trump administration reckons we’re not doing enough to stop goods made with forced labour from getting into supply chains.

The US Trade Representative dropped the news on Wednesday. They’re investigating what they call “unfair trade practices” by 60 countries. Australia’s been lumped in with 44 others on the higher 12.5% tariff list — we’re talking China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil and Switzerland for company.

Not everyone’s in the same boat, though. Canada, Britain, the EU and Mexico are looking at a slightly lighter 10% duty.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer didn’t mince words: “The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable.” Basically, the US says it’s had enough.

There’s also talk of a textile mechanism that’d let some clothing and textile imports into the US at a reduced rate, but the details are still pretty vague.

Back home, the Trade Minister’s office isn’t having it. A spokesperson said any US tariffs on Aussie exports are “unjustified” and don’t line up with the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. They added that Australia already has “robust, comprehensive and world-leading legislation” tackling forced labour and modern slavery. Canberra’s message? These tariffs are “unwarranted” and they’ll keep pushing back.

Don’t panic just yet — nothing’s happening tomorrow. The proposal now goes to public consultation, with hearings kicking off on 7 July.

Source: cbinews.tv

#AustraliaUSTrade #Tariffs #ForcedLabour #USPolitics #TradeWar #AUSFTA #GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #CbiNewsTv