Australia Largely Spared From Tariff Scrutiny, But US Flags Concern With Media Code, Pharma Rules, Beef

The US trade representative’s report to the president and Congress cites Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code and pharmaceuticals as concerns.

President Donald Trump speaks to the press before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on March 26, 2025. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Australia may be spared the worst of President Donald Trump’s tariff measures—due to come into effect on April 2—if the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2025 Report on Foreign Barriers is any guide.

The 397-page report lists the policies implemented by other countries that “distort or undermine fair competition.”