The Queensland Government is undertaking a coordinated response to support exporters impacted by the recent US tariff trade changes, with more than 200 businesses being engaged through roundtables.
In April, the US imposed a 10% baseline tariff on most imported goods. Most goods originating in Australia will be subject to this tariff on import into the US.
Concurrently, higher reciprocal tariff rates have been announced for many other US trading partners. A reciprocal tariff means that if one country imposes tariffs on another, the other country does the same in return.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports that Australian steel and aluminium imports to the US are subject to a 50% tariff from 4 June – representing a 25% increase from the imposed tariff in mid-March 2025.
The Queensland Government is stepping in to build the resilience and preparedness Queensland exporters need to weather global trade shocks, with practical support, expert advice, and direct engagement.
Trade and Investment Queensland’s Tariff Response Unit will be holding final roundtable sessions in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Longreach. The team will be working with exporters to deliver a range of online tools, including a tariff calculator.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates says the government is focusing on strengthening the state’s export sector.
“These tariffs are creating real pressure for our exporters,” Bates says.
According to Trade and Investment Queensland, the US was Australia’s second largest services export market valued at $15.7 billion, just behind China which totalled $16.8 billion, and ahead of India, the UK, and New Zealand.
Queensland’s main exports include coal, metals, meat, and sugar.
In May 2025, coal exports from Queensland were down by 9.3% year-on-year and increased by 12.3% month-on-month to 15.46 million tonnes, according to data released by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and Gladstone Ports Corporation.
In 2025-26, growth in overseas exports are expected to be at 2.¼%, while in 2026-27, exports are forecast to grow marginally – driven by the growth in services and metallurgical coal exports – as reported by the Queensland Budget Strategy and Outlook 2025-26 report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock
