Australia's new Ambassador to the United States, Greg Moriarty, vowed to oppose proposed tariffs on Australian imports.
The dispute centers on trade protections that could disrupt the economic relationship between the two allies and challenge the legality of existing pacts.
Moriarty spoke in Washington, D.C., three weeks after his arrival in the city in early 2024 [1]. He focused his remarks on the proposed tariff rate of 12.5 percent on Australian goods [1].
Moriarty said President Donald Trump's "unwarranted" tariffs are not consistent with the free-trade agreement between the two nations [1], [2]. He said the move would breach the established terms of that agreement and could potentially damage the bilateral alliance [1], [2].
Despite the trade friction, Moriarty said Australia’s alliance with America is in "good shape" [1]. The ambassador's position reflects an effort to protect Australian exports from increased costs that would result from the new levies.
The diplomatic push comes as Australia seeks to maintain its strategic partnership with the U.S. while resisting economic measures that target its imports [2]. Moriarty said the tariffs are unwarranted given the current trade framework [1].
“President Donald Trump's "unwarranted" tariffs are not consistent with our free‑trade agreement.”
This tension highlights a conflict between U.S. protectionist trade policies and the specific legal obligations of the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. If the U.S. proceeds with the 12.5% tariff, it may force Australia to choose between accepting economic losses or initiating a formal legal challenge to the treaty's violation, potentially straining a security alliance that both nations describe as being in good shape.
