New South Wales Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has condemned the United States' imposition of a 12.5% tariff on Australian goods, describing the measure as unwarranted and unfair.
The criticism follows the US administration's determination that Canberra, along with 59 other nations, is failing to adequately eliminate forced labour in its supply chains.
The 12.5% levy represents a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.
Chanthivong emphasized the need for Australia to diversify its range of export products and target markets to cushion the economy against such external shocks.
The minister's remarks highlight growing concerns among Australian trade officials about the unpredictability of US trade policy under President Donald Trump.
The 12.5% levy represents a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.
The US trade office announced the measure as part of a broader strategy to pressure countries over labour standards, a move that has already triggered retaliatory discussions in several affected economies.