Australia’s re-elected Labor government is gearing up to challenge the United States over new tariffs on foreign-made films, calling them “unjustified.”
On Tuesday, Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, announced that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team would present a “very strong case” to the U.S. against the 100 percent tariff imposed on films produced outside the United States. The tariffs were announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
“These are just unjustified tariffs,” Rishworth stated in an interview with Nine Network television. She emphasized that the government’s entire team is united in opposing the tariffs following Labor’s landslide victory in Saturday’s election for the 48th parliament.
Prime Minister Albanese confirmed he had spoken with President Trump after the election, discussing the contentious tariff issue. “We are committed to protecting our film industry and the jobs it supports,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong echoed the government’s stance, stating that they would make their opposition clear to the U.S. administration. “We obviously will be pressing views about this to the U.S. administration,” Wong said in an interview, indicating her continuity in the foreign affairs portfolio.
Trade Diversification Efforts
In addition to addressing U.S. tariffs, Minister Wong highlighted the importance of restarting trade talks with the European Union. “If we’re a trading nation, we don’t want to be part of trade barriers because it’s not good for us. It’s an act of economic self-harm,” she told ABC radio on Tuesday morning.
Negotiations on a free trade agreement with the EU collapsed in 2023 over disagreements on market access for Australian agricultural exporters. The Labor Party had pledged in April to reopen talks with the EU if victorious in the election.
“Engaging with the EU and others is vital for Australia’s trade diversification,” Wong added.
Potential Trade-Offs
Reports from News Corp Australia suggest that Prime Minister Albanese is considering abolishing Australia’s tax on luxury car imports from the EU in exchange for better access for agricultural exports. This move could pave the way for renewed negotiations and strengthen economic ties with European nations.
As Australia navigates these international trade challenges, the government’s firm stance against the U.S. film tariffs underscores its commitment to protecting domestic industries and pursuing beneficial trade relationships.
