Today is August 4 and here is your Inside Auspol
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Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell confirmed Monday that the United States will maintain its 10% tariff on Australian goods, avoiding a potential increase that had been under consideration within the Trump administration.
Speaking in Adelaide, Farrell said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured him during recent discussions that the tariff rate would remain unchanged despite internal pressure for an increase.
"He did indicate that there had been some pressure in the American system for an increase, but that President Trump had decided to maintain that 10%," Farrell told reporters.
The decision provides Australian exporters with a competitive advantage in the U.S. market relative to other countries facing higher tariffs. Farrell specifically cited wine, beef, lamb and wheat as products that will benefit from improved market positioning.
"This means products like wine, like beef, like lamb, like wheat, in a relative sense, are cheaper into the United States," Farrell said.
The announcement comes as Australia's Parliament approved a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, eliminating tariffs on virtually all Australian products entering that market.
Farrell characterized the tariff decision as "vindication for the Albanese government" and its diplomatic approach with the United States. Australia has maintained its strategy of not imposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods.
"At no stage did we introduce tariffs on American goods," Farrell said. "America still has a significant advantage in terms of our trading relationship."
The trade minister noted that the United States exports approximately double to Australia what Australia exports to the U.S.
Farrell said Australia will continue pressing for complete tariff elimination under existing free trade agreements and has invited Commerce Secretary Lutnick to visit Australia for continued negotiations.
The development occurs amid broader discussions about the AUKUS defense partnership, though Farrell emphasized that trade and defense relationships remain separate policy tracks.
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