Patricks Brisbane Terminal Stop Work Meeting:
Patricks Brisbane Container Terminal have advised that Please be advised that all operations, both Ship and Yard operations will cease between 7.00am – 11.00am on Tuesday 8th April 2025, for a Maritime Union Australia (MUA), stop work meeting. GPSM Transport Team will keep any affected clients updated on alternative arrangements as required.
DP World Brisbane Terminal Closure:
DP World Brisbane Terminal will be closed Tuesday 8 April 2025 between 5:00am-4.00pm for a planned IT outage.
GPSM Transport Team will keep any affected clients updated on alternative arrangements as required.
U.S. Tariff Increases and Potential Trade Impacts:
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced today a sweeping set of tariff increases, introducing a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods into the United States. Additional higher duties have been imposed on a range of countries, including key U.S. trading partners. These measures mark a departure from long-standing trade liberalisation policies and are expected to provoke retaliatory actions, leading to potential cost increases for various goods.
Australia’s Inclusion in U.S. Trade Reports:
Australia has been identified in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report for its stringent biosecurity measures on commodities such as beef, pork, poultry, and horticulture products. The U.S. considers these protections as non-tariff barriers and has referenced them as part of its justification for reciprocal tariffs on Australian exports.
Key Announcements:
Tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% have been introduced on all imported goods.
Specific tariff rates include:
- 34% on goods from China
- 20% on goods from the European Union
- 10% on goods from the United Kingdom
- No tariffs have been imposed on imports from Canada or Mexico.
- A 25% tariff has been introduced on all foreign-manufactured automobiles.
Australian Government Response:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the challenges posed by these new tariffs, reaffirming that Australia will maintain its existing biosecurity protections. While ruling out retaliatory tariffs, the government has committed to supporting affected industries through:
- $50 million in emergency assistance for impacted sectors.
- Strengthened anti-dumping measures to protect Australian steel and other products.
- A $1 billion economic resilience program, offering zero-interest loans to support the development of new export markets.
- A renewed focus on Australian-made products, with government procurement policies prioritising local businesses.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Australia has secured relatively favourable treatment compared to other nations in the new tariff regime. Ongoing diplomatic engagement continues at multiple levels to advocate for Australian trade interests.