Trump tariff disruption could have ‘small, positive effect’ on Australian economy, productivity commission finds

<p>Productivity Commission finds Australia will experience a marginal impact from tariffs, while economists say it presents an opportunity</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/jul/08/anthony-albanese-tariffs-trump-east-melbourne-synagogue-bobdi-junction-nine-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a>’s trade tariffs will have only a minor impact on our economy according to the Productivity Commission, as a leading economist said Australia was in the “best position” in the world to withstand the surge in US protectionism.</p><p>The American president on Tuesday morning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jul/07/donald-trump-elon-musk-new-party-us-politics-live-latest-news">posted a series of letters</a> which outlined individual countries’ tariff rates that were close to previously announced levels, while <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/07/trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea">extending the negotiation deadline</a> from 9 July to 1 August.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/08/trump-tariff-disruption-could-have-small-positive-effect-on-australian-economy-productivity-commission-finds">Continue reading...</a>