Australia Import Duty & Tariff Guide 2026
The US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA, 2005) eliminates base duties on virtually all Australian goods. Since 24 July 2026 Australian goods pay the 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 tariff on top — except beef, gold, crude oil, macadamias and other goods exempt under HTSUS U.S. note 52. Steel and aluminum pay 50% under Section 232. No China-style Section 301 lists apply.
The Section 122 surcharge expired on 24 July 2026. The forced-labor Section 301 tariff replaced it the same day at 12.5% for Australia, so AUSFTA goods that paid 10% now pay 12.5%, and exempt goods (beef, gold, crude, macadamias) pay nothing. Current US tariff regime →
US Import Duties on Key Australian Products (2026)
| Product | HTS | MFN | AUSFTA | +Forced-labor | 2026 effective | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef (fresh/chilled) | 0201.10–0201.30 | 4–26.4¢/kg | 0% | Exempt | 0% | TRQ applies; in-quota AUSFTA rate is 0% |
| Beef (frozen) | 0202.10–0202.30 | 4–26.4¢/kg | 0% | Exempt | 0% | Major export; US is top market |
| Lamb & mutton | 0204.xx | Free–18.9¢/kg | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | Australia supplies ~60% of US lamb |
| Wine (still, bottle) | 2204.21 | 6.3¢/liter | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | Free base duty under AUSFTA |
| Aluminum (unwrought) | 7601.xx | Free | 0% | — | 50% | Section 232 aluminum 50%; Australia's exemption ended March 2025 |
| Steel products | 7208–7219 | Free | 0% | — | 50% | Section 232 steel 50%; replaces the forced-labor tariff |
| Gold (non-monetary) | 7108.12 | Free | 0% | Exempt | 0% | Large export; duty-free at MFN level |
| Crude petroleum | 2709.00 | Free | 0% | Exempt | 0% | Energy is exempt from the forced-labor tariff |
| Pharmaceuticals | 3004.xx | Free | 0% | Mostly exempt | 0% (most lines) | MFN and AUSFTA both 0% |
| Macadamia nuts | 0802.61 | Free | 0% | Exempt | 0% | Australia world's largest producer |
| Wool (greasy) | 5101.11 | Free | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | MFN 0%; forced-labor tariff is the only duty |
| Seafood (lobster, live) | 0306.11 | Free | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | Australian rock lobster; no MFN duty |
AUSFTA rate for qualifying Australian-origin goods. Rules of origin must be met. Forced-labor tariff in force since 24 July 2026. MPF (0.3464%, min $34.58, max $670.86) also applies to all shipments.
Australia: Section 232 Steel & Aluminum Exemption
Australia's 2018 exemption from the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs ended on 12 March 2025, when all country arrangements were revoked. Since 6 April 2026 Australian steel and aluminum pay 50% on the full customs value (derivative articles 25%). Section 232 replaces the forced-labor tariff for these goods, so the total is 50% plus MFN.
Australia Tariffs — FAQs
Does Australia have a free trade agreement with the US?
Yes — the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) entered into force on January 1, 2005. It is one of the most comprehensive bilateral trade deals the US has signed. Under AUSFTA, nearly all goods originating in Australia enter the US duty-free. The few remaining restrictions are in agricultural sectors (beef and lamb have tariff-rate quotas, but in-quota rates are 0%). Most manufactured goods, minerals, and processed food enter at 0%.
Is Australia subject to Section 301 tariffs?
No. Section 301 tariffs apply exclusively to goods of Chinese origin. Australia is completely exempt. If you are considering shifting sourcing from China to Australia for any product, Section 301 will not apply to the Australian goods.
Is Australia exempt from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs?
No. Australia's Section 232 exemption, granted in 2018, ended on 12 March 2025 along with every other country arrangement. Australian steel and aluminum now pay the full 50% Section 232 duty on the whole customs value (25% for derivative articles), which replaces the forced-labor tariff for those goods. AUSFTA does not change that.
Does the forced-labor tariff apply to AUSFTA goods?
The Section 122 surcharge expired on 24 July 2026, but a forced-labor Section 301 tariff replaced it the same day, and Australia is in its 12.5% tier. Trade agreements don't waive it: an Australian good that is duty-free under AUSFTA pays 12.5%. Beef, gold, crude oil, macadamias and most pharmaceuticals are exempt under HTSUS U.S. note 52, so they still enter at 0%.
What does Australia actually export to the US?
The top US imports from Australia: (1) Beef — Australia is the second-largest supplier to the US (~25% of US beef imports); (2) Gold — significant volumes of non-monetary gold; (3) Crude petroleum and LNG — energy products; (4) Pharmaceuticals — generic and branded drugs; (5) Aluminum — 50% under Section 232; (6) Wine — AUSFTA allows duty-free entry; (7) Lamb and mutton — Australia supplies the majority of US lamb; (8) Macadamia nuts — world's largest producer; (9) Wool; (10) Seafood.
What is the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement and does it affect US importers?
The EU-Australia FTA was concluded on March 24, 2026. It covers trade between the EU and Australia, not US imports. For US importers, the main indirect effect is competition: Australian beef, wine, and minerals now have improved access to the EU market, which can affect global commodity pricing. The deal does not change what US importers pay when sourcing from Australia — AUSFTA governs that.
Related Guides
Model Your Landed Cost From Australia
Enter your HTS code and order value to calculate the exact 2026 landed cost from Australia — AUSFTA rate + forced-labor tariff + MPF, all in one view.