The Hon. Matt Canavan, Leader of The Nationals, Media Release, 4 June 2026

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Labor must fight the Trump Administration’s proposed new 12.5 per cent tariffs.

Senator Canavan said the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs on Australian goods are unjustified and a clear breach of the Free Trade Agreement Australia has with the US.

“We are great friends with Americans but these latest tariffs are based on a fig leaf of a justification,” Senator Canavan said.

“Just weeks after the US Supreme Court struck out the Trump Administration’s first tariffs, the US launched an investigation of whether Australia fails to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

“Australia has strict laws against the use of forced labour and modern slavery. The US investigation has not provided detailed evidence that Australia fails to stop products made with forced labour.

“Its report is a smokescreen to justify tariffs it clearly intended to put on in any case.”

Senator Canavan added all Australian leaders should stand up for Australian trade and oppose the unjustified, unwarranted and unfriendly move.

“This is another impost and it will hurt our industries, especially our wine industry, because our wine is exposed to the US market.

“The report indicates that the US Administration consulted with the Australian Government – we need to know the process and outcome of that consultation. I hope the Australian government pushes back on this decision, which doesn’t act within the spirit of the Free Trade Agreement we signed with the United States.

“The United States are a great friend and we have honoured that agreement, but we must ensure that it is reciprocated.”