Last updated: 1 August 2025
On the 31 July 2025 (US time), the Trump Administration released a new Executive Order establishing updated tariff rates on goods entering the US.
These measures apply to most countries (country specific tariffs) and include specific provisions for transshipment and sector-based tariffs.
The changes take effect from 12:01am Eastern Daylight Time 7 August 2025 US time.
Country tariffs
Under the Executive Order, goods from any foreign trading partner not listed in Annex I will be subject to an additional 10 per cent ad valorem tariff (including Australia).
This charge is applied on top of any existing tariffs or preferential rates under the normal tariff rates.
The new rate will apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses 7 August 2025 US time.
Transhipment tariffs
Goods determined by US customs and Border Protection to be transhipped to evade duties, including Australia will face:
- a 40 per cent penalty tariff
- additional fines and penalties
- full US duties applicable to the country of origin.
Sector tariffs
A detailed breakdown of sector specific tariffs categorised by HS Code can be found on the United States International Trade Commission website.
Last updated: 31 July 2025
- 50 per cent tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors and electrical components) are effective from 1 August 2025.
- From 29 August 2025, goods worth $800 or less imported into the U.S. using methods other than post will be subject to all applicable duties. Read the Executive Order on The White House website.
Last updated: 29 July 2025
The United States’ weighted average tariff rate (the average tariff rate, weighted by volume of imports) remains elevated as the Trump administration continues to revise unilateral tariff rates and sign trade deals with a number of countries.
The suspension of higher ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on almost 60 countries for a period of 90 days has been extended to 1 August 2025.
The administration has signed trade deals with a number of countries, including many previously subject to these higher ‘reciprocal tariffs’.
The following agreements can be read on The White House website:
President Trump, on social media, has flagged agreements with Philippines, Vietnam and China, but no official confirmation of these agreements has been released or published.
Other countries, including Australia, are currently subject to a 10 per cent ‘baseline’ tariff.
Current tariffs on Australian exports to the United States
Most Australian exports to the US are subject to a 10 per cent ‘baseline’ tariff.
There are some exemptions. These include pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, timber, semiconductors, gold, copper and certain critical minerals.
Additionally, some goods including steel, aluminium and automotive parts are subject to a 50 per cent tariff (these are exempt from the 10 per cent baseline tariff).
A 50 per cent tariff on copper has been flagged to come in effect from 1 August.
Despite speculation to the contrary, there are currently no additional new sector specific bans or tariffs on Australian goods or services.
US remains a key trading partner
The US is an important trade and investment partner to Queensland, with $3.6 billion worth of exports during 2024. Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) will continue to work to support our clients to succeed in this market.
While recognising that tariffs can present challenges to Queensland businesses operating across highly integrated global supply chains, they can also offer opportunities.
At a time when Queensland businesses are facing an uncertain global environment, it has never been more important for Queensland to support its exporters – with one in five Queensland jobs supported by trade.
Ongoing support for Queensland exporters
TIQ continues to actively engage with its clients and industry who are trading with the US, providing them with the knowledge and insight to continue to succeed there and to understand and explore potential opportunities for diversification.
This includes ensuring that Queensland businesses are aware of the support announced by the Federal Government, including:
- clarification that Australia will not impose reciprocal tariffs and that Australia will continue to engage with the Trump Administration on tariffs
- a $50 million fund has been established to help exporters identify and access alternative international markets
- a $1 billion program offering zero-interest loans has been launched under a new economic resilience initiative to bolster impact sectors.
TIQ and Queensland remain open for business with the US and the world.
Stay up to date
To stay informed on the latest changes and exemptions, refer to the White House Clarification of Exemptions.
For more detailed information on specific product tariffs, including applied rates, exemptions, and official definitions, consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), which provides comprehensive classification details, chapter notes, and section notes relevant to U.S. trade.
Please see the Austrade Go Global Toolkit for additional information on the support for Australian businesses impacted by the US tariff changes.
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