Why it matters:
The tariff escalation threatens global trade stability and highlights growing tensions between Washington’s protectionist agenda and countries advocating open markets, including Australia.
The big picture:
Trump’s move reflects an intensifying economic nationalism in the U.S., where trade measures are increasingly used as geopolitical leverage. The policy comes amid wider global debates over tariffs, supply chains, and economic sovereignty, as governments weigh responses to Washington’s aggressive trade posture.
What they're saying:
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said Canberra is closely coordinating with its embassy in Washington, D.C. to evaluate the consequences of the new tariffs.
Farrell stressed that Australia “consistently advocated” against the levies, describing them as unjustified and reaffirming its support for free and fair trade.
Trump, meanwhile, defended the tariffs on social media, attacking the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court that blocked an earlier 10% tariff order. He vowed his administration would continue imposing “legally permissible” tariffs to advance his economic agenda.
Key points:
- Trump announced the 15% tariff less than 24 hours after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an earlier 10% import levy.
- The administration reinstated the 10% tariff using a different legal authority before raising it to 15%.
- The new duties are expected to take effect on Feb. 24.
- Farrell plans to travel to Los Angeles next week for meetings with senior U.S. officials during the G’Day USA business and diplomatic event.
- Economists say the direct economic impact on Australia may be limited but warn of rising global uncertainty.
Go deeper:
Iran Condemns New U.S. Tariffs on Its Trade Partners as “Crimes Against Humanity”
Hossein Vaez - ahmad shirzadian
