Australia Caught in the Crossfire: US Tariffs, Defence Doubts, and a Fracturing World Order

The US Trade Representative has imposed a 12.5% tariff on Australian goods under Section 301, accusing Canberra of failing to adequately prevent forced labour from entering its supply chains. The tariff, which took effect on 24 July, replaced a previous 10% temporary surcharge and affects 37 other economies as part of a broader action targeting 60 countries. Lamb, mutton, and goatmeat face the heaviest...