Trump’s reciprocal tariff threat brings fears for Australian trade

Economist argues GST is not protectionist and should not attract any new levy from the US but concern remains for steel industryGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastUS president Donald Trump has threatened “reciprocal tariffs” on US trade partners in retaliation for some domestic taxes, such as value-added taxes, sparking concerns Australia could be targeted.But economists have argued Australia’s value-added tax – the goods and services tax, which is applied to imported and domestically sourced goods and services identically – is not protectionist, and so could escape retaliation from the US. Continue reading...

Trump’s reciprocal tariff threat brings fears for Australian trade

Economist argues GST is not protectionist and should not attract any new levy from the US but concern remains for steel industry

US president Donald Trump has threatened “reciprocal tariffs” on US trade partners in retaliation for some domestic taxes, such as value-added taxes, sparking concerns Australia could be targeted.

But economists have argued Australia’s value-added tax – the goods and services tax, which is applied to imported and domestically sourced goods and services identically – is not protectionist, and so could escape retaliation from the US. Continue reading...