The United States is planning to impose a 12.5 per cent tariff on goods from Australia, alleging the country has failed to take action to prevent slavery and forced labour.

Anthony Albanese says any tariff on Australian exports to the US is “unjustified and inconsistent” with the free trade agreements between the two allies.

Former Australian ambassador to the US Joe Hockey says Donald Trump is convinced that tariffs are beneficial to the US.

  • ironhydroxide@sh.itjust.works
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    3 months ago

    Ironic that one of the worst “first world” countries for worker protections is accusing others of not preventing forced labor.

    Every fucking day people are forced to work in the US, essentially slaves to the corporation. As a decision between work for a pittance or starve is no decision.

    • systemglitch@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      America is not first world. Never has been without universal health care, which is only reserved for first world countries.