Australia's newly re-elected Labor Party is gearing up to challenge the United States' 100% tariff on foreign-made films, calling the move "unjustified," senior figures said this week.
After a landslide win in Saturday's election for the 48th parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team, including social services minister Amanda Rishworth, are preparing to make a "very strong case" to Washington.
The tariff, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, slaps a 100% duty on films produced outside the United States, raising concerns in global entertainment circles.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, set to continue in her portfolio, reinforced Australia's stance: "We will be pressing our views to the U.S. administration," she said.
At the same time, Canberra is reviving talks with the European Union after negotiations collapsed in 2023 over agricultural access. Wong told ABC radio, "As a trading nation, we don't want trade barriers – it's economic self-harm."
Reports suggest Australia may scrap its luxury car import tax on EU vehicles in exchange for better market terms for farmers and exporters, highlighting a push for trade diversification.
For entrepreneurs, creatives, and global travelers, these developments underscore the shifting dynamics of international trade, cultural exchange, and policy in the year ahead.
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Australia vows to fight against U.S. film tariffs after Labor wins
cgtn.com
